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Neiphiu Rio addressing police chiefs of NE states in Chumoukedima on Friday. (EM Images)[/caption]
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Sep. 6: Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has asserted that the overall security situation in the Northeast has undergone significant improvement in recent years, with decline in the number of insurgency related violence and casualties of security forces as well as civilians.
Rio was addressing the valedictory programme of the 26th conference of DGsP/IGsP and Heads of Central Police Organisations of NE states at the Rhododendron Hall, Police complex in Chumoukedima on Friday.
According to Rio, all parameters of violence have improved in 2019 when compared to the corresponding period of 2018. “I am happy to mention that due to the combined efforts of security forces and the governments’ policies over the years, some of the states are now completely free from insurgency-related violence,” said Rio adding that insurgent activities have been contained in other states too.
He further maintained that in Nagaland, most of the armed groups have entered into ceasefire agreements and there has been relative cessation of hostilities except for some stray incidents.
“We are hopeful that the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue will reach a logical conclusion soon by way of a democratic political settlement that is honourable and acceptable to the people,” said Rio.
In this connection, the chief minister said that a political solution to the Naga political imbroglio will surely bring stability to the entire region and is bound to change the dynamics of security and progress of the region, as all are aware that the Naga movement is considered the ‘mother of all insurgencies’ in the entire region.
“I sincerely hope that a solution is worked out at the earliest so that we usher in a new era of genuine peace, all-round progress, inclusive development and economic growth,” said Rio.
Taking into consideration that the programme is the highest level meet for the police force in the region, Rio highlighted areas of concern and challenges the states face collectively.
He pointed out that terrorism, cybercrime and financial frauds, apart from organised crimes using modern technology, are some of the challenges faced by the police and security agencies.
“These situations have created invincible enemies who are unseen. These new challenges require new strategies,” said Rio, adding that the scenario has been termed as 4th generation warfare.
He also listed other challenges such as homicide; domestic abuse and violence against children; and various other offences and exploitation such as sexual abuse, human trafficking.
Rio stressed on the need for innovative and sensitive approaches in the subject of corrections. “Here we need to look at the condition of prisons, curriculum inside prisons, safety and health of inmates and prison violence amongst a host of other problems in the field of corrections.”
He suggested improvement of the image and reputation of police forces at all levels. “With all due respect to all right service police women and men, it is also a fact that there is trust deficit upon the police force in the eyes of the common man,” he said.
There are incidences where citizens are reluctant to approach the police for justice and seek ‘alternative modes of obtaining justice,’ said the chief minister. “We need to introspect and undertake measures to correct the system in the greater interest of the nation and win the trust of the citizens,” said Rio.
He expressed concern over the rise in fake news and information on social media platforms and urged the police chiefs to strategise, and combat this challenge.
Further, the chief minister also urged the officers to ensure an atmosphere of security and stability.
“We can play a greater contributing role in the emergence of India as a global power in all aspects,” Rio shared.
Rio also cited the interstate, national and international ramifications because of the international boundaries the NE region shares with five China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan and Nepal.
“It is in this context that we should understand the importance of the overall scenario without undermining the sensitivities and emotions of the population,” the chief minister said and encouraged all to keep in mind the ethnic, linguistic and religious diversities that lie within this ‘rich yet fragile’ region.
“The country faces challenges which include terrorism, leftwing extremism, religious fundamentalism and ethnic violence all of which should be tackled firmly but with sensitivity,” asserted Rio.
The chief minister further acknowledged the contributions of police women and men, for their selfless service and sacrifices. “Despite the numerous challenges that the police forces face, more than a billion Indians sleep in peace with a sense of safety and security due to the tireless efforts of police forces and the uniformed services,” said Rio.
The conference was organised for the first time by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) in May 1982 at Shillong and is being held in Dimapur for the second time, after a gap of 28 years.