Arunachal Pradesh CM Pushes for Modern Policing and Enhanced Border Vigilance
In a significant address at the state-level conference of Superintendents of Police and commandants, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu outlined a comprehensive vision for strengthening internal security through technological advancement and improved border management. The conference, held at the DK Convention Centre in Itanagar, focused on transforming policing practices to meet contemporary challenges.
Technology as the Future of Policing
Chief Minister Khandu emphasized that technology has become the cornerstone of modern law enforcement. He called for substantial investments in cyber capabilities and digital forensics to combat evolving criminal activities in the digital realm. "Technology is not just an option but the future of policing," Khandu stated, according to official reports.
To enhance public engagement and transparency, the CM advocated for activating official social media platforms of the police department. He suggested forming a dedicated social media team under the Director General of Police and advised SPs to use these platforms responsibly for official communication rather than personal purposes. "The public must be aware of the commendable work done by our police forces. Social media should serve as a bridge for official information dissemination," he remarked.
Strengthening Border Security and Management
Addressing the unique geographical challenges of Arunachal Pradesh, Khandu highlighted the state's strategic position as the largest in northeast India, sharing international boundaries with Bhutan and Myanmar, and a border with Tibet. He called for heightened vigilance along the Myanmar border, particularly in Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts, where concerns about extortion and drug trafficking linked to cross-border insurgent influence persist.
The CM commended the Arunachal Pradesh Police for successfully neutralizing attempts to revive insurgency under the name of United Tani Army. He urged for strengthening the Special Task Force, enhancing training programs, increasing manpower, and improving coordination with central armed forces, including the Assam Rifles.
On the issue of illegal immigration, Khandu announced that the Inner Line Permit system under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, is undergoing technological upgrades and will soon be launched in a digital format statewide. He emphasized the need for proactive measures to check illegal immigration in the coming days.
Transition to Conviction-Oriented Policing
Khandu expressed concern over the current conviction rate, reportedly around 30%, and stressed the urgent need to shift from arrest-oriented to conviction-oriented policing. "Arrests alone are insufficient. We must coordinate with law and judiciary departments to understand why convictions are low and address these gaps systematically," he asserted.
He called for joint brainstorming sessions among police, law, and judicial departments to improve conviction rates. The CM also emphasized securing the 'golden hour' for evidence preservation and strengthening the State Forensic Science Laboratory through manpower augmentation and resource allocation.
Acknowledging Tribal Diversity and Police Achievements
Recognizing the state's rich tribal diversity, Khandu advised officers to understand the unique social dynamics of each region. "Inclusive governance requires structured dialogue with all stakeholders. Arunachal's diversity is its strength, but we must be sensitive to local contexts," he noted.
The CM congratulated the state police for achieving 100% training coverage and implementing various initiatives, including:
- e-Suraksha for enhanced security measures
- e-Summons for digital legal processes
- Integration with the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS)
- Nyay Shruti for judicial accessibility
- Deployment of mobile forensic vans
He also lauded specific achievements such as the structured implementation of new criminal laws, destruction of approximately 16,000 acres of illicit poppy and cannabis cultivation, registration of hundreds of NDPS cases, major narcotics seizures, and dismantling of an inter-state vehicle theft syndicate.
Vision for Developed Arunachal
Highlighting the importance of internal security in the state's development journey, Khandu called for greater focus on modern criminal justice systems, AI-driven policing, cybersecurity, narcotics control, and women and child safety. He reiterated that peace and stability remain the top priorities of the government, essential for achieving the vision of a developed Arunachal Pradesh.
The conference served as a platform to align policing strategies with contemporary needs, emphasizing technology, border security, and judicial effectiveness as key pillars for maintaining law and order in the strategically vital frontier state.
