Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio flagged off 549 new police vehicles and 12 mobile forensic vans at the Police Complex in Chumoukedima on Monday. This fleet overhaul replaces 35 to 40 percent of the state's aging police vehicles. The procurement cost reached Rs 81.65 crore under the Assistance to States and Union Territories for Modernisation of Police Scheme for 2025-26. State funding for police modernization has surged to nearly Rs 150 crore, a sharp jump from previous annual allocations of Rs 4 to 6 crore.
The new fleet consists of 152 light motor vehicles, 325 medium vehicles, 68 heavy vehicles, four motorcycles, and 12 mobile forensic vans. Rio ordered that these assets go to districts and remote units based on operational needs, not rank. He noted that mobility is essential in the state's difficult hill terrain. The state government aims to build a modern, responsive force. "As Nagaland pursues better connectivity, greater investments, tourism, entrepreneurship and economic growth, peace and security will remain the foundation upon which all progress depends," Rio said.
DGP Rupin Sharma confirmed the state cabinet approved a new Directorate of Forensic Sciences to comply with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. While the current 12 forensic vans cover immediate district needs, the state plans to station more vans as resources allow. These vehicles carry tools for fingerprint collection, narcotics testing, and electronic device cloning. ADGP Sandeep M. Tamgadge noted that the vans help meet legal mandates requiring forensic examination for crimes carrying sentences over seven years.
Sharma also addressed the July 13 IED blast in Chumoukedima, stating that samples are with the National Security Guard and the state awaits word on an NIA takeover. The police force is now pushing for specialized recruitment of IT professionals, forensic experts, and legal officers. While the force modernizes, Sharma acknowledged that the Ministry of Home Affairs has not yet sanctioned funds for new police station buildings or residential housing. Meanwhile, investigating officers must complete mandatory training on the government's iGOT Karmayogi platform.
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