Shillong, Apr 24 (UNI) Former Chief Secretary P J Bazeley has declined to take charge as the Chairman of the Meghalaya State Electricity Board (MeSEB) after protests against his appointment threatened to snowball into a major crisis in the state.

In a letter sent to the Principal Secretary of the power department, Mr Bazeley turned down the new post expressing his ''deep gratitude'' for the ''immense faith reposed'' in him.

''I had a few post-retirement responsibilities lined up and would be getting engaged in such personal and organisational pursuits soon. As such, while I will be at Shillong for about half the time each month, it will not be possible for me to give my full time to MeSEB or any particular assignment,'' said Mr Bazeley in his letter, released to media last night by Principal Secretary B K Dev Varma.

''I take the present state government's offer as an indication that my endeavours while in service were to the satisfaction of all concerned. This in itself, leaves me immensely satisfied,'' he said.

Following Mr Bazeley's refusal to accept the post, the Khasi Students Union (KSU) was expected to withdraw its four-night road blockade which was to start from tonight to protest the appointment.

The KSU had already observed a three-day office picketing from April 18 to April 20 to protest the government's move, paralysing the normal functioning of the government offices and financial institutions in the state capital.

LSU had accused the government of favouritism in appointing a retired government official.

While the BJP and the NCP had opposed the appointment, several MLAs of the ruling alliance were also reportedly against the cabinet move.

Congress MLA and former Home Minister R G Lyngdoh had earlier come up openly criticising the government on the issue.

UNI SG-PRS-KK-SI KN1142