Nagaland CM Rio calls for tech-driven policing to tackle emerging multiple security challenges

Kohima, July 27 (AHN) Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday stressed the need for specialised investigation and greater technological capability to tackle emerging security challenges, saying organised extortion, drug trafficking, cybercrime, financial fraud, human trafficking, and crimes against women and children demand a more modern and coordinated policing approach.

Flagging off 549 new police vehicles and 12 Mobile Forensic Vans at the Police Complex in Chumoukedima, the Chief Minister also emphasised the importance of implementing the new criminal laws through scientific investigation. He informed that 12 Mobile Forensic Vans have already been distributed to district executive forces, with more to be provided in the coming years.

Calling for greater investment in human resources, Rio stressed the need for continuous professional training in cyber forensics, digital evidence, financial intelligence and data analysis. He said the Nagaland Police must continue its transition towards investigation-oriented and community-centred policing founded on integrity, professionalism and public trust.

Rio further appealed to citizens to cooperate with the police by reporting crimes promptly and assisting lawful investigations, stating that peace, security and development are essential for Nagaland’s progress. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, the state Home Department and all stakeholders for their support in making the police modernisation initiative a reality.

These 549 new police vehicles and 12 Mobile Forensic Vans were procured under the Assistance to States and Union Territories for Modernisation of Police (ASUMP) scheme in a major step towards strengthening policing, mobility and scientific investigation in Nagaland. Rio said the vehicles were procured under the ASUMP scheme for the financial year 2025-26.

He noted that the initiative is the first major outcome of a broader police modernisation programme under which Nagaland has secured nearly Rs 150 crore for upgrading policing infrastructure, including mobility, CCTV surveillance, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems and Smart Police Suite.

The Chief Minister said the 549 vehicles, procured at an approximate cost of Rs 81.65 crore, would replace 35 to 40 per cent of the ageing police fleet, significantly enhancing the operational readiness of the force. He stressed that mobility is crucial for effective policing in Nagaland’s difficult terrain, where timely response to emergencies, crime prevention, investigation and disaster response depend on reliable transportation.

Rio observed that almost half of the existing police fleet had become old, unserviceable or had crossed the permissible service life, affecting policing across districts, police stations, IRB battalions, highway patrols and investigation units. He urged police personnel to utilise the vehicles responsibly and transparently, deploy them strictly based on operational requirements, prioritise district executive forces and remote areas, ensure regular maintenance and timely servicing, and replace condemned vehicles promptly to maintain an efficient fleet.

Nagaland Director General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma described the induction of these vehicles as a major milestone in improving the operational and forensic capabilities of Nagaland Police. He said the fleet also includes ambulances and water tankers, which will improve emergency response and public service delivery.

Sharma expressed gratitude to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the state government for their continued support towards police modernisation. He particularly acknowledged the Chief Minister for consistently pursuing the state’s proposals with the Union Home Minister, which enabled Nagaland Police to secure unprecedented financial assistance.

The DGP revealed that funding under the Police Modernisation Scheme increased from the usual annual allocation of Rs 5 crore to Rs 20 crore in previous years to nearly Rs 155 crore during the financial year 2025-26. He said the achievement followed extensive scrutiny by the Ministry of Home Affairs and persistent efforts by Nagaland Police officers to prepare and defend the proposals.

Sharma also stressed the importance of timely release and utilisation of both Central assistance and the state’s matching share to ensure continued eligibility for higher allocations in the future.

While noting the progress made in modernising equipment and mobility, he pointed out that police infrastructure such as police stations, outposts and residential accommodation still requires greater support.

The state police chief further emphasised that future police modernisation should increasingly focus on technology, cybercrime, forensic science, intelligence gathering and investigative capabilities to meet emerging security challenges.

Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton also addressed the gathering.