New Delhi: Speculation is rife that Jammu and Kashmir governor N.N. Vohra may be replaced in the next few days. Though senior officials, both at the Centre and state, remain tight-lipped, sources said there is a growing view that a new governor, who is more familiar with the prevailing security scenario in the Valley, should be sent to the state. Home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, who completes his two-year tenure next month, is being considered as a possible replacement to Mr Vohra, according to sources.
Mr Mehrishi has been closely involved in managing the Kashmir crisis since violence erupted in July last year, after the killing of top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.
Apart from his experience of liaisoning with security and intelligence agencies operating in the Valley in his capacity as the home secretary, Mr Mehrishi is known for his hands-on approach. He was in Srinagar last week to monitor the security arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra.
Mr Vohra, a former senior bureaucrat, has been serving as the J&K governor since 2008 and was given an extension for a second tenure in 2013 by the previous UPA government. Incidentally, he is J&K’s second civilian governor after Jagmohan.
“There is a view both at the Centre and in the state that Mr Vohra has already had a fairly long tenure and that it is now time to get someone who has new ideas and strategy to deal with the complex security situation in the Valley. Mr Mehrishi is a seasoned and experienced officer who has been handing sensitive security issues and is well-suited for the job,” a senior government official said. Talk of replacing Mr Vohra has been doing the rounds for some time now and the Centre is likely to take a final decision on the issue shortly.
It is possible, sources added, that the Centre may wait for Mr Mehrishi to complete his tenure as home secretary next month before taking a final call.
