Arunachal CM calls police force to deal bandh with an iron hand

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 9, 2024

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday emphasized the need to maintain peace as a foundation for social maturity and development. Addressing the 56th Raising Day celebration of the Arunachal Pradesh Police (APP) force, Khandu urged the police to uphold peace resolutely, stressing that the “bandh culture” disrupting public life and development in the state must be handled with an “iron hand.”

He reiterated that peace is essential for sustained progress and called on the police to firmly address any actions that threaten social stability, positioning law and order as the cornerstone of Arunachal Pradesh’s growth and well-being.

Another ‘vice’ in the society, Khandu pointed, ‘corruption’ will also be dealt with stringently. He reiterated that till he is the Chief Minister, he will not tolerate corruption in any form.

“To strengthen the Special Investigation Cell (SIC) that takes up cases of corruption and to give it more teeth we have renamed it as Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) with special provisions,” he informed.

Drawing the attention of the police force towards the menace of drug abuse, Khandu stressed on the role of police in not only taking an offensive against drug trafficking and arresting peddlers and consumers. He emphasized that the proactive role of the police force in preventive measures and luring youths out of addiction is also important.

Deliberating on numerous steps that have been initiated to strengthen the APPduring his tenure since 2016, Khandu informed that the ex-gratiafor all police personnel irrespective of ranks who sacrifice his or her life while fighting any terrorist, criminals or underground elements has been enhanced to Rs. 50 lakhs besides a suitable government job for the next kith and kin of the martyr.

Khandu reminded that the first ‘Arunachal Ratna’ – the highest state award, was conferred on DySP Late BomtoKamdak posthumously for his ultimate sacrifice in line of duty.

He further informed that state cabinet that held its meeting on October 28 lasthas approved the proposal for granting Special Grade to Police Constable, Head Constable and Assistant Sub-Inspector (Civil Police/ APPBn/IRBn) including MT and Telecom wings. This decision, he viewed, will ensure timely career progression by granting honorary promotion in the form of special grade from the level of constable up to sub-inspector.

Other initiatives taken in the last 9 years include direct recruitment of 2993 posts of various categories in the department,  through direct recruitment, procurement of1678 vehicles for smooth and effective policing, all Police Stations equipped with CCTVs, the 1st ever Central Jailturned into a Correctional Home with 1,000 inmates capacity, 21 Mahila Police Stations notified of which 7 are operational,permanent Battalion of National Disaster Response Force established at Hollongiand 1100 volunteers trained under the AAPDA MITRA programme.

Khandu informed that a Comprehensive Surrender Policy has been implemented to help youth shun association with underground elements and sought cooperation of the district police force in encouraging such youth to embrace the mainstream.

“With a humble beginning in 1972, the APP started its journey with a handful of Police officers with its headquarters at Shillong. APP today stands tall with 4 Police ranges, 142 notified Police Stations (110 functional), 29 Police districts and 15497 strong police personnel providing security to the state and its people,” Khandu observed.

To further boost the morale of the state police force, Khandu announced a fund of Rs 100 Crore to the police department, which will be in addition to the already sanctioned fund in the budget for this financial year.

He requested the Home Minister and the DGP to chalk out a detailed plan and a roadmap for utilization of the extra fund judiciously for benefit of the department.

Accepting the fact that police alone cannot control crime unless citizens lend their helping hand, the Chief Minister appealed to the people to continue supporting the efforts of the Arunachal Police in this direction.