Date:16/07/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/07/16/stories/2002071604940100.htm

Other States - Gujarat

Gill leaves Gujarat

By Manas Dasgupta

GANDHINAGAR July 15. The "supercop'' K.P.S. Gill today relinquished his office as the security adviser to the Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, and returned to Delhi.

Mr. Gill's sudden departure was as mysterious as was his controversial arrival on May 7 when he took over charge amid reports of opposition from Mr. Modi himself and many members of his Cabinet. The person who was received only by a senior police officer on his first arrival was extended a warm send-off this evening at a gathering chaired by Mr. Modi himself and attended among others by the Chief Secretary, G. Subba Rao, and the Minister of State for Home, Gordhan Jhadafiya.

Despite persistent queries from the media, Mr. Gill refused to make any comment at the function except to say that he might write articles in newspapers after his return to Delhi rather than give any answer in Gandhinagar. He would not even talk about his contributions in restoring peace in the riot-torn State or if he was satisfied with the present situation.

Government sources, however, indicated that he was leaving Gandhinagar on the advice of the Chief Minister who wanted to impress upon the Election Commission the need for early elections, implying that the law and order situation had improved to such an extent that the presence of his security adviser was not required any more.

Mr. Modi said he had requested Mr. Gill to "keep in touch'' and visit the State whenever he felt necessary. Mr. Gill's services would also be used in beefing up police intelligence.

Police officials, on their part, were non-committal. They pointed out that peace had returned even before Mr. Gill arrived and his return would also not make any difference in the law and order situation. But the leaders belonging to the minority community appreciated his contribution in restoring peace, his efforts to improve inter-community relations and instil a sense of confidence among the minorities. It was at Mr. Gill's initiative that the National Commission for Minorities organised a meeting between the minority leaders and Mr. Modi in which the Chief Minister announced a series of concessions to the riot-hit people, including early rehabilitation of the victims and restoration of the damaged minority places of worship.

Mr. Gill's appointment then was cold-shouldered by the Chief Minister's Office, which did not even allocate office space for him for about two days. Also, a controversy arose in the Cabinet with many senior Ministers questioning Mr. Modi for appointing Mr. Gill which they felt could demoralise the police. Though Mr. Modi told his Cabinet members that it was he who had appointed Mr. Gill, it was clear that he was sent by the Centre to demonstrate to the Opposition parties that it was taking steps to bring the situation under control.

Mr. Modi said that about a fortnight ago Mr. Gill had expressed his desire to relinquish office now that the situation had improved but he was requested to stay on at least till the Jagannath rath yatra on July 12 was over.