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Dimapur, Aug. 3 (EMN): Noklak, the youngest district in Nagaland, recently received its first deputy commissioner (DC) and superintendent of police (SP).
Many would be unfamiliar with the name Dr. Pritpal Kaur, the newly announced SP of Noklak, but she is no stranger to the citizens of Tuensang, having served as the sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) before the recent promotion.
Aged 33, the energetic and passionate cop from Haryana could possibly be the youngest woman SP, if not the youngest SP, in the state.
She first landed her probation in Dimapur in early 2019 and moved to Tuensang, whose citizens she fondly refers to as “my people”.
Speaking to Eastern Mirror, Kaur expressed happiness at serving the people of Nagaland and the new crucial role she has been given to play in Noklak.
“When I wear my uniform, I forget I am a woman as the job comes first, be it a man or a woman,” said Kaur.
Being an IPS officer is just one arrow in her quiver. She is also a certified dentist but shared that she was not ‘satisfied’ being one.
“I was not satisfied being a dentist even though I am a gold medallist in that field,” Kaur informed, adding that she wanted to do more to help people.
Kaur informed that she cleared her UPSC exams, ranked 225, in her fourth attempt and got posted to Nagaland in 2019.
“I never knew the place nor the culture here; I came with no notion of what it is like here,” she said.
“I will never say people are backward here. The talent is immense and the way the men respect women in Nagaland is just something that many people from outside can learn,” she shared.
After being at the forefront of the pandemic in Tuensang district, Kaur shared that the district and its people have become very close to her heart.
“I had many ideas and wanted to implement those ideas to tackle Covid-19 in Tuensang; many people including the SP (Tuensang) supported those ideas,” said Kaur and added that it is that encouragement that pushed her to do more.
The officer, who married at the age of 25, is often asked how she could balance family and her job, living so far away from home.
“Many times, my family had complained but I am getting the same love and support from my people here and duty is always first,” she asserted.
“I believe I am still young and this is an opportunity for me to extend my family; I can say I have two families now,” the SP shared.
Already fluent in Nagamese, she shared that the education system here needs improvement while the rampant drug use also needs attention.
Elated to be the first SP of Noklak, Kaur stressed that all girls and boys are equal and with determination and integrity, ‘god will provide the opportunity to those who work hard’.
“I am happy to be posted in such a far-flung area where I can serve more and hope to bring a positive change,” said Kaur.