Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio launches CCTV surveillance system in Kohima

KOHIMA — In a move to enhance security and surveillance while also alleviating public fears amid allegations of custodial misconduct, Neiphiu Rio, the Chief Minister of Nagaland, launched a network of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at police stations under Kohima district.

Speaking during the launch programme at North Police Station in Kohima, Neiphiu Rio said CCTV cameras will be installed in all 83 police stations in the state, while acknowledging the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for sanctioning INR 3.83 crore for the project.

The officials will launch the surveillance system in all the districts of the state on Independence Day, August 15, he said, adding that the venture will change the attitude of both the police and the citizens.

He said the initiative will regain the trust of the people in the law enforcement agency, as many fear the police due to reports of alleged atrocities and excessiveness in police custody; claims of torture and violence at police station as well as false accusation.

It will bring about transparency and act as a deterrent against unruly behaviour both by the police personnel and the civilians in police stations, as everything will be monitored and recorded, he said.

In line with the directive of the Supreme Court to install CCTV cameras in all the police stations across the country, Nagaland is also implementing the same, he said while expressing hope that the Director General of Police (DGP) and officers supervising the surveillance will make good use of the technology.

He went on to say that ‘everything will be communicated and monitored’ from the control rooms at district headquarters.

Lowest crime rate

Neiphiu Rio attributed the low crime rate in the state, particularly crime against women to the strong community feeling, tradition and customs with villages and tribes taking pride to see that there is no crime and effectively resolving many incidents at the village level as per the Naga customary laws.

Out of 70-80 departments in the state, he said the two most important ones are administration and police; these departments are the real government machinery as they manage all the law and order and affairs.

Peace and development

Neiphiu Rio stressed the need for peace to accelerate development, saying that many developed countries have changed their focus on the happiness index rather than the GDP growth rate.

The state is still faced with many issues including the Naga political issue, he said, adding, “We are a land of ultimatum, memorandum, and serving datelines to one another.”

Lamenting that people are still “talking through newspapers and memorandums” despite the state’s high literacy rate, he said there is a need to build trust between the people and the government, and reason out together for peace, so as to enable growth and development.

The chief minister also said that citizens should be law-abiding and respect the rule of law for peace and development.

High time to start paying tax

A state needs resources to run a government but the people of Nagaland are allergic to tax, said Neiphiu Rio, lamenting that the state has to approach the government of India even for ‘small things. He added that it is high time the citizens learn how to give to enable the state to grow with the rest of the country.

Cabinet meeting on drug issue

Neiphiu Rio said that the neighbouring state of Manipur is facing difficulties in the fight against drugs due to the poppy cultivation and smuggling of drugs from Myanmar. Maintaining that Nagaland has not only become a major transit point for drug trafficking but also a major user, with even school-going children and uniform service personnel falling victims, he said the state cabinet will meet on August 10 to discuss the issue.

He added that the cabinet moots officially declaring the fight against drugs, following which the administration, police, excise, and all agencies will work together to eradicate the menace.

‘While we are trying to catch the smugglers, we have to clean our own houses, particularly our uniform staff. We should adopt a strategy to control this, otherwise it will bring a very bad name to the government and the police department has to work out to address it. The government will support you in all your endeavour and I am making this request,’ he said.

Trust, safety and appreciation

Also speaking at the event, Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, who is in-charge of Home and Border Affairs, said the installation of 16 CCTV cameras in seven police stations of Kohima district shows the state government’s commitment towards transparency, security, safety and rights of the citizens.

“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,” he said, adding that the initiative will drastically curb the menace of custodial torture in police stations, encourage ethical practices and give a sense of security to the common people to report crime to the police.

Asserting that public trust in the police force is crucial, he urged the citizens to cultivate the habit of appreciating the police who work tirelessly to ensure the peace and safety of the people.

DGP Rupin Sharma delivered the welcome address and Kohima SP, Imnalensa proposed the vote at the programme which was also attended by Minister CL John, MLA Dr. Tsielhoutuo Rhutso and other officers.