Deputy Chief Minister and Minister-in-Charge for Home and Border Affairs, Yathungo Patton, today urged Members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to avoid making personal requests regarding the transfers and postings of officers or police personnel and that such requests will no longer be entertained.
Patton was responding to the concerns of non-implementation of tribal composition in police postings and transfers raised by Member Kuzholuzo Nienu on the concluding day of the Fifth Session of the Fourteenth Nagaland Legislative Assembly during the zero-hour discussion.
Emphasizing the importance of ensuring tribal representation in the posting and transfer of police personnel in the State, Nienu said that the situation in Manipur serves as a wake-up call, necessitating immediate corrective actions and stressed that Nagaland must act without delay.
He also warned that failure to implement tribal composition in police postings and transfers could lead to potential mutiny and could have consequences even worse than those seen in Manipur.
Referring to the starred question he raised on 27th August 2024 about the existing Tribal composition of the posted strength in all the Units of the Nagaland Police and the reply received from Patton, MLA Nienu voiced disappointment over the lack of a transfer policy in the state and urged the Minister to formulate one. He stated that the Home Department should start taking proactive measures to prevent issues and effectively manage any unforeseen circumstances that may arise.
Additionally, he highlighted the significance of police personnel strength in each district, noting that each district is primarily influenced by its respective tribes. He underscored the urgent need for action in this regard.
Responding to these concerns, the Deputy Chief Minister noted that there is currently no policy for Transfers and Postings but assured everyone that the situation is acknowledged.
Patton explained that for the past five to six years, the Department has been working hard to manage these issues and improve the system, but ongoing problems are partly caused by the Members themselves. He highlighted their efforts to transfer individuals who have been in one place for three years but stated that he will no longer entertain such personal requests. The Deputy CM appealed to his fellow Members not to bring these matters up with him in the future.
