It is being heard on the grapevine that the former IGP,Farooq Khan, a 1994 batch IPS officer who retired in 2013 and is presently serving as Administrator of union territory Laksha dweep, is likely to be appointed as advisor to Governor Satya Pal Malik.

“The process to appoint him in his home state is at the last stage. Hopefully an announcement will be made in coming days,” a top source inunion home ministry told. “If it is true, a necessary antidote to supercilious bureaucrats: Farooq Khan to be appointed as Advisor to Governor JK,” AmitabhMattoo, who served as advisor to former chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed,wrote on Twitter. He later deleted the tweet. Khan, who was more a politician within a police officer, joined the BJP ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha election sand was given key positions, including the charge of the party’s minority celland North East Affairs, will be the second local advisor to Governor.

Sources said the appointment of Khan, who retired in 2013,is also aimed at sending a “positive message” to the people of J&K thatthey have local representation in the administration of Governor who has fouradvisors including K Vijay Kumar, Khursheed Ganai, SS Sharma and S Skandan. WhileGanai hails from Kashmir, SS Sharma belonged to Jammu province but he remainedout of state postings in civil service. The other two advisors belong to differentparts of the country.

Khan, who had a stint as J&K BJP’s spokesperson, hasserved as Inspector General of Police in Jammu and Kashmir. He is credited forplaying an notable role in ending the siege at the Hazratbal Shrine in March1996. Khan landed in controversy when he was suspended for two years in 2003for his alleged role in Pathribal fake encounter. However, a CBI probe absolvedhim of the charges and he was reinstated.

Khan has also played an important role in the creation ofcounter-insurgency Special Operations Groups which was earlier known as ‘TaskForce’ of Jammu and Kashmir Police.

He has also headed the Sher-e-Kashmir Police Academy,Udhampur. He has been also awarded with the President’s medals for gallantry,bravery and distinguished service.

A Dogri-speaking Muslim, his grandfather, Colonel Peer Mohammad, was the social and political activist and also had a stint as memberparliament.