New patrolling system to enhance public safety: Nagaland DGP

August 18, 2024 9 Views No Comment

Nagaland police chief addresses Wokha Police and CSOs on key issues

Morung Express News
Wokha | August 18

Nagaland’s Director General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma on Saturday announced the new system of patrolling across Nagaland. The DGP said the duration of patrolling would henceforth be reduced from six hours to two hours while increasing the frequency and coverage to 300 locations across the state.

This strategic shift, he explained, aims to enhance public safety by focusing on key areas and deterring criminal activities.
The DGP stated this while addressing a crucial meeting at the SP conference hall today, with district unit officers, Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs), and company commanders. The session was also attended by various Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) including the Lotha Hoho, Lotha Eloe Hoho, Lotha Students’ Union, and Lotha Youth Hoho, alongside Chairman of Wokha Village Council, Deputy Commissioner Vineet Kumar, Dobashis, and Forest Department officials.

Addressing concerns raised by the CSOs, Sharma clarified that the number of crime cases reported does not necessarily reflect police efficiency or community peace, emphasizing that effective policing involves proactive measures to identify and address crime hotspots. DGP Sharma underscored that the police’s duty extends beyond just registering cases; it includes proactively identifying areas where crimes are occurring.

Border dispute best resolved through dialogue
On the border dispute with Assam, a question raised by a CSO member, DGP Sharma emphasised that one cannot choose their neighbours, whether good or bad. He assured that the Nagaland Government and Police would do their utmost to address any issues that arise. However, he stressed that such conflicts should be resolved through dialogue and interpersonal interactions, which can transform adversaries into friends. He stated that while it is important to protect our rights, greater efforts should be made to improve relations with neighbouring villages in Assam. He cautioned that the long-term benefits we seek could be compromised if peaceful relations are not maintained.

State government to digitize ILP process
On the Inner Line Permit (ILP) issue, DGP Sharma noted that despite concerns about recent developments in Bangladesh, there has been no significant influx of Bangladeshi immigrants into Nagaland. He informed the gathering that the Nagaland Government is considering digitizing the ILP process to enhance its effectiveness.

The DGP also informed the public that they can reach out to him on social media platforms such as Facebook or Twitter if they have any information about drugs or other crimes. He assured that any messages sent via personal messenger would be promptly addressed by him or other police personnel. He also announced that civilians or police officers who assist in apprehending drug dealers would be given monetary reward. He also guaranteed that the identity of the source would remain confidential.

Accompanied by Uniel Kichu, DIG (Range) Kohima, and Chumrenthung, DIG NAP (IR), the DGP stressed that police officers are duty-bound to uphold the law, warning that any officer found aiding criminals will face severe consequences.

The DGP, meanwhile, praised Wokha SP Aotula T. Imchen for her notable performance during recent elections. He also lauded the Wokha Police for their effective preventive measures, noting that while crime registration numbers have slightly decreased compared to the previous year, the quality of policing has improved.

In her welcome address, Aotula T. Imchen, SP Wokha, emphasized that the purpose of the gathering was to enhance the synergy between the police and the CSOs, as well as to gather input from the members present in order to improve law and order and maintain peace within the community.

During the interaction sessions, the CSOs raised several concerns, including the drug menace, the ILP issue, and border disputes. The Wokha DEF also expressed their deepest gratitude to the DGP for taking the time to visit and interact with their team.

The programme was chaired by K Soriso, NPS, Addl SP Wokha, with a welcome address by SP Wokha and crime overview by Sangthing Khiam, SDPO Wokha.