The National People’s Party (NPP) Nagaland has expressed serious concern over the State’s inadequate forensic infrastructure, warning that the lack of properly equipped laboratories is causing critical delays in criminal investigations and undermining the justice delivery system.
In a statement issued on Friday, the NPP said that the absence of forensic facilities in Kohima and other districts has forced investigation teams to depend solely on the lone State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Dimapur, resulting in hours-long delays in crime scene analysis.
“These delays are further compounded by traffic congestion, poor road conditions, and landslides — often resulting in the loss of crucial evidence and prolonged investigation timelines,” the statement said.
The Party cautioned that such systemic weaknesses not only weaken the justice system but also erode public confidence in law enforcement. Citing recent murder and criminal cases where investigators had to wait for forensic experts to arrive from Dimapur, the NPP stressed that the situation is untenable and demands urgent government action.
While welcoming the assurance made by Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister, Y Patton — as reported in a local daily on November 6, 2025 — regarding the government’s intent to improve forensic infrastructure, NPP Nagaland urged that the matter be treated with “utmost urgency and top priority.”
The Party also lauded the dedication of the staff of the Dimapur Forensic Science Laboratory for continuing to serve with limited manpower, outdated equipment, and constrained facilities. “Their commitment to assisting police and investigative agencies in solving complex cases under challenging circumstances deserves appreciation,” it said.
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However, the NPP pointed out that the Dimapur FSL requires comprehensive upgradation to meet the demands of modern criminal investigations.
“The laboratory currently lacks advanced forensic tools, specialized divisions, and adequately trained personnel necessary to handle today’s increasingly complex cases,” the Party stated, emphasizing that strengthening this vital institution is essential to ensure efficiency, transparency, and credibility within the justice system.
To address the crisis, the NPP Nagaland outlined several key recommendations: establishment of regional forensic laboratories in Kohima and other key districts to ensure timely, decentralized and accessible investigation support; upgradation of the Dimapur FSL with state-of-the-art facilities for DNA testing, cyber and digital forensics, toxicology, and ballistics; and recruitment of qualified forensic experts, continuous training programmes for police personnel and investigators to enhance professional standards and accuracy in evidence handling; effective coordination among the police, prosecution, judiciary, and forensic departments is essential to expedite case disposal and uphold the integrity of investigations; and public awareness and confidence building.
“NPP Nagaland reiterates that justice delayed is justice denied,” the NPP said. “Unless the State urgently strengthens its forensic infrastructure, the law enforcement system will continue to face inefficiency, delays, and loss of public trust,” the party said and appealed to the Government of Nagaland to address this matter as a top public priority.
