Shillong, May 14 (IANS): Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday flagged off a new fleet of 95 police vehicles in Shillong, aimed at strengthening the operational preparedness, mobility, and emergency response capabilities of the state police force, in a programme held at the Police Officers’ Mess at Golflink in the presence of Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang, senior government officials, and police personnel. Of the 95 vehicles procured, 79 were acquired through funds provided by the Central Assistance to State Police Scheme of the Government of India, with the newly inducted fleet comprising 20 Maruti Jimny vehicles, 19 Tata truck troop carriers, five Mahindra mini trucks, 19 buses with a seating capacity of 20 personnel, 10 buses with a capacity of 24 personnel, eight buses capable of carrying 36 personnel, and eight Tata Yodha vehicles for the CID wing. The procurement, estimated at nearly Rs 30 crore, is expected to significantly enhance police mobility, operational efficiency, and emergency response across the state.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma emphasised that the maintenance of law and order remains one of the most critical responsibilities of any government and reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the police force through sustained reforms and investments, including the introduction of the Police Reserve Fund to improve infrastructure and administrative efficiency at the grassroots level. He noted that infrastructure previously in a dilapidated condition was now being renovated and upgraded, and that authority and responsibility had been delegated to Superintendents of Police and unit commanders for faster execution. The Chief Minister also highlighted the recruitment of over 3,000 personnel into long-vacant posts as a major step toward improving manpower strength in the force. Referring to recent tensions in Lapangap in West Jaintia Hills, Sangma praised the Meghalaya Police for maintaining peace and stability while the government continued dialogue with Assam over the interstate boundary issue, and lauded DGP Nongrang and the force for their dedication and professionalism.