Shillong, Jan 11: The Federation of Khasi Jaiñtia and Garo people (FKJGP) on Wednesday barged into the office of the Director of the Printing and Stationery in Shillong demanding immediate suspension of its Director Salgira R Marak for his alleged involvement in misappropriation of public funds in his 10 years in office.

Speaking to media persons, FKJGP assistant general secretary Reginald Thabah said the Federation has given 10 days to the Government of Meghalaya to suspend the Director so as to ensure free and fair conduct of the departmental enquiry.

“We asked the Director to leave the office immediately and to cooperate with us so that the departmental inquiry should be fair,” added Thabah.

He also informed that the Director told the Federation that he has to speak to his seniors on whether he can leave the office or not.

It may be mentioned that a departmental enquiry headed by the Commissioner & Secretary Ripnar Lyngdoh is probing the alleged misappropriation of funds, which amounts to Rs 2.09 crore.

However, in the afternoon, the employees of the office of the Director of the Printing and Stationery came out protesting the barging of the FKJGP, stating that it took the employees by surprise. “They (FKJGP) should have followed some protocols especially this is the time as we are all busy with election duty, it is very improper on the part of the FKJGP,” said one employee of the office.

The employee, however, did not make any comment on the allegations. “We don’t want to speak, there are so many things going on, we don’t want to speak and say much,” he said.

“We only came out protesting as we don’t appreciate the manner in which they barged in our office… it created panic among the employees,” he added.

The employees felt this act by the FKJGP is a disgrace to the office as they have barged without proper information and procedures.