Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday inaugurating the CCTV installation at Police stations under Kohima district pointed out that there is fear of the public with police personnels and news of atrocities and excessiveness in police custody, torture or violence, or false accusation. The Chief Minister exuded hope that with the installation of the CCTVs it will bring trust to the general people and bring out transparency of what is happening in the police stations.
“You are watched, it is recorded and it will be evidence to any crime that you committed or behave in the police station, both the police and civilian,” Rio cautioned.
The program was held at North Police station, Kohima.
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He also said that the installation of CCTVs in all 83 Police stations is a milestone in modernisation of police and thanked the central government for sanctioning Rs 3.83 crore, for installation of the CCTVs.
Happy to launch CCTV system for police stations in Kohima district at North Police Station. I hope the facility will set new standards in security and surveillance, redefining monitoring, protection and vigilance. Citizen’s safety is the State Govt’s priority. pic.twitter.com/YDhIPVQZyb
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) August 9, 2023
CM Rio mentioned that the legislators will be launching the CCTV in their respective districts during the Independence Day flag hoisting.
Mentioning that Nagaland is one of the lowest crime recorded states and particularly crime against women, he said the State have this credit because of the strength in the community and customary laws.
Rio pointed out that despite having more than 70 departments, the two most important departments are the administration and police department adding, “they are the real government machinery who do administration and policing, and that’s why they are the premier service in the state as they manage all law and order and affairs of the state.”
Further, the CM exuded hope that these CCTV in all Police stations will bring a new change to the attitude of both police and the civilian
Meanwhile Deputy Chief Minister also in-charge of Home, Y Patton asserted that this is not just a program but to celebrate a milestone in our commitment to transparency, security, and the upholding of the fundamental rights of our citizens.
He said adhering to the Supreme Court’s directive on 2 December 2020, the installation of the 16 CCTV cameras in each of the seven police stations of Kohima district should be seen as steps that prioritize the safety and rights of every citizen, as stipulated under Article 21 of our Constitution.
“The police stations equipped with this latest technology of electronic surveillance will deter those who misuse the powers vested upon them by law and violate basic human rights,” added Patton.
The Deputy CM expressed belief that such means of surveillance will drastically curb the menace of custodial torture in police stations and will also bring transparency to the work culture of police at the police station level and encourage ethical practices. Most importantly it will give a sense of security to the common public to approach the police for reporting of crimes, said Patton.
“The public’s trust in our police force is crucial. And I urge all our citizens to cultivate a deep appreciation for our police officers. They are the very individuals who work tirelessly, day in and day out, ensuring our neighbourhoods remain safe and peaceful. Furthermore, they offer numerous essential services for public welfare, a testament to their multifaceted role in society,” he added.
Earlier, dedicatory prayer was delivered by Rev Vesotsü Rakho, Pastor, Police Union Baptist Church (PUBC) and welcome speech delivered by DGP Rupin Sharma.
Sharma, in his welcome address, said that the inauguration was being done at North Police Station, which is one of the oldest dating back to 1939, and in the other seven police stations of Kohima district with the funding of Government of India and Ministry of Home Affairs by the order of the Supreme Court. He appealed for support for restructuring and reorganizing the police department from the government and thanked them for the assistance, which was being rendered.
The DGP also said that the War on Drugs has gone down very well till date. He added that the police department is reaching out to the people and that there is an increasing rate of filing cases which shouldn’t be taken otherwise but as a trust on the police.
The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister were accompanied by C L John, Advisor for Forest, Environment & Climate Change and Village Guards, and Chumben Murry, Advisor to Chief Minister. Abhijit Sinha, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and Shanavas C, Deputy Commissioner, Kohima also attended the program.
