Shillong, Jan 13: Deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong has asked all concerned not to “communalise” the issue related to the appointment of the chief secretary in the state.

“As deputy chief minister, let me tell you one thing we should not communalise as far as posting is concerned. I am sorry to say that…I think the government knows better than anybody else,” Tynsong told reporters here on Monday.

He was reacting to the demand for revoking the MS Rao’s appointment and to appoint Hector Marwein as chief secretary. It was alleged that the appointment of the new chief secretary was not based on seniority.

Asked, deputy chief minister however said the government will not be able to bypass the service rules be it state or central.

Stating that IAS officers are being governed by the central service rules, Tynsong said, “When the decision was taken that MS Rao will take over as chief secretary, Hector Marweiñ was also upgraded to the chief secretary level/rank.”

“So please don’t misunderstand it is not that Hector Marweiñ was denied promotion. As I said he (Marweiñ) is also made equivalent to chief secretary…a notification in this regard has also come out,” he said.

Tynsong however cannot reply as to the kind of post being given to Marweiñ.

To another query, the deputy chief minister said the rules allow to have many Directors General of Police (DGPs) citing apart from DGP, the state also have DG Prison and DG Homeguards.

“(Similarly) I am telling you this is only the status and it is same thing like we appointed the DGP. That is why I am telling you right now the rules are very clear that is why the government will not be a fool to just break the rules,” he said.

On Marwein’s decision to approach the tribunal, Tynsong said Marweiñ has already filed a petition before the tribunal so let the tribunal decide.