Kohima (Nagaland) Jul 23: With an evolving crime landscape in Nagaland- ranging from cyber threats to organized criminal networks and drug trafficking – challenge the State police force is obvious and the force is being equipped with modern infrastructure and greater institutional support to meet these challenges head-on.
CM Stresses Tech-Driven Policing
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, while inaugurating the newly constructed Police Officers’ Central Mess and the Non-Gazetted Officers’ (NGO) Mess at the Police Complex in Chümoukedima on Wednesday, underscored the growing complexity of law enforcement in the state.
He said the government is fully committed to strengthening the police force with advanced technologies and improved support systems to effectively counter emerging threats.
“The nature of crime is changing rapidly, and our force must evolve accordingly,” Rio noted.
He urged police personnel to maintain the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, and professionalism in their service.
Happy to have inaugurated the Nagaland Police Officers’ Central Mess & the Non-Gazetted Officers’ Mess at Police Complex, Chümoukedima. These buildings stand as symbols of our Govt.’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, dignity, & professional well-being of our police force. pic.twitter.com/mzuyY6x2SZ
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) July 23, 2025
The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of community engagement, stating that policing must be rooted in mutual respect and collaboration, especially in a state with a police-population ratio of 1,136 officers per one lakh citizens.
Upgrading Police Welfare and Living Conditions
Acknowledging the difficult working conditions that many officers endure—particularly with regard to accommodation—Chief Minister Rio reiterated the government’s focus on improving police welfare. He congratulated those involved in completing the project and extended his best wishes to the officers and families who would benefit from the upgraded facilities.
Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, who also holds the Home and Border Affairs portfolio, echoed the Chief Minister’s views and highlighted the significance of modern, dignified housing for police personnel. He noted that the old mess buildings, originally constructed in the early 1970s, had become structurally unsound and unfit for continued use.
With Rs 10.5 crore sanctioned under the Centre’s Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) 2023–24, the new Central Mess now accommodates 24 officers and their families, while the NGO’s Mess offers housing for 64 non-gazetted officers—both equipped with essential modern amenities.
Strengthening Policing Capacity for the Future
Deputy CM Patton proposed establishing a state-of-the-art multi-purpose facility to replace the ageing event hall at the Police Complex, which would better serve future functions and training needs. He encouraged police personnel to remain steadfast, work harder, and uphold values of discipline and honesty in their daily service.
“Together, through commitment and integrity, we can build a safer and better society,” he said.
Nagaland Director General of Police Rupin Sharma and Deputy Inspector General (Training) Imnalensa also addressed the gathering, appreciating the new infrastructure as a key step in enhancing operational efficiency and morale among the force.
The inauguration marked a renewed focus on empowering the Nagaland Police to adapt to the modern era—where threats are no longer limited to physical boundaries but extend into cyberspace and organised global networks. (Edited)
