RPF officer transferred after letter on ‘emergency’ situation

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has ordered Nugyal’s transfer to Central Crime Branch, Railway Board, from Budgam.

The official order stated: “DG/RPF has ordered transfer and posting. in the administrative interest. The above officer is directed to report at his new place of posting immediately”.

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Sources said Inspector General, Northern Railways, Sanjay Sankrityan arrived in the Valley on Monday morning and chaired an emergency meeting to discuss the fallout of the letter. Sankrityan is learnt to have held a separate meeting with Nugyal.

Sources said another Railways officer posted in the Valley, who had gone on leave, was asked to report back immediately. The officer arrived in Srinagar and resumed duty, they said. According to the letter, issued on Saturday, a precautionary security meeting was held by Nugyal after receiving inputs from “different security agencies” regarding “forecast of deteriorating situation in Kashmir and issue of law and order…”

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Among others, it asked Railways officials to buy advance dry ration for at least four months, store drinking water for at least seven days, keep their bags ready with adequate amounts of eatables, drinking water, chocolate, money, etc.

On Sunday, Nugyal denied having issued such an order.

The Railways Ministry “revoked” the letter, stating that the officer was “not authorised to issue such a letter and did not have the approval of the competent authority to do so either”.