Guwahati, June 05: Lt Gen (retd) Ajai Singh was today sworn in as the new Governor of Assam. Singh was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court Justice P P Naolekar in a simple function at the durbar hall of the Raj Bhavan here.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, his ministerial colleagues, bureaucrats and top officials of the police, Army and paramilitary forces were present on the occasion.

He succeeds Lt Gen (retd) S K Sinha who takes charge as J&K Governor.

Lt Gen Singh, who served as General Officer Commanding the Army Four Corps, told reporters that his top priority would be obviously to maintain the current peaceful atmosphere in the state.

Stating that it was too early for him to comment on the state of affairs, he said first he had to study the scenario and then act.

On the ongoing unified command structure formed to combat insurgency in Assam, the new Governor said, it was a single unit where everybody worked in unison.

"I have to study the structure and then decide whether any modification was required or not", was his reply to a query whether he felt that the system was functioning well.

He said his job was to perform in close coordination with the chief minister.

"If the chief minister wants me to dive into the river Brahmaputra I would do so", Singh said in a lighter vein and Chief Minister Gogoi who was seated next to him was quick to reply "we will dive and swim together".

Bureau Report