Big step towards transparency: 83 Nagaland police stations get CCTVs

Amid reports of theft of arms and ammunitions and weapons from police stations of Nagaland, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday inaugurated installation of CCTV cameras in police stations of Kohima and said that this will instil fear among the wrong doers including the police and trust among the public.

“You are watched, it is recorded and it will be evidence to any crime that you commit or behave in the police station, both the police and civilian,” the Chief Minister cautioned speaking at the inauguration event held at North Police Station, Kohima.

The Chief Minister said that the installation of CCTVs in all 83 Police stations is a milestone in the modernisation of the state police. He thanked the central government for sanctioning Rs.3.83 crore for the installation of the CCTVs.

The Chief Minister asserted that the legislators during the Independence Day flag hoisting, will be launching the CCTVs in their respective districts.

Mentioning that Nagaland is one of the states with the lowest crime rates, particularly crime against women, Rio said the state have this credit because of “our strength in our community and customary laws”.

“The integrity and upright character of the Naga people and the effective implementation of the customary laws are the reasons why police stations in the state have very few recorded cases”, CM said.

CM 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.”

Deputy Chief Minister also in-charge of Home, Y Patton asserted that this event “is the celebration of a milestone in our commitment to transparency, security, and the upholding of the fundamental rights of our citizens”.
Patton said adhering to the Supreme Court’s directive of 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 the 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 believes that such means of surveillance will drastically curb the menace of custodial torture in police stations and will also bring transparency 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 Vesotsu Rakho, Pastor PUBC and welcome speech delivered by DGP Rupin Sharma.

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