DUCCF urges action to curb damage to public property

Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) has expressed serious concern over the increasing incidents of damaging and defacing public property in Dimapur.
In a representation to the Commissioner of Police Dimapur, DUCCF president Zasiviko Zakiesato and asst. general secretary Bokato Wotsa said public assets such as road dividers, streetlights, government buildings and community facilities were created for the benefit of all citizens, but acts of vandalism not only caused heavy financial loss to the government but also inconvenienced the public.
The federation appealed to citizens to protect and respect public property, reminding that such acts were punishable under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984 and Section 427 IPC.
It urged the police to take strict legal action against offenders and to strengthen monitoring across the town.
It also reiterated the need to install high resolution CCTV cameras in vulnerable locations, a matter it said had been raised with the police on several occasions.
Pointing out that willful destruction or damage of public property was a punishable offence under Section 3 of the Act, DUCCF urged police to strengthen vigilance, take action against those involved, spread awareness on the consequences of vandalism, and work in coordination with local bodies and civil society groups.
DUCCF assured full cooperation with law enforcement agencies and called upon community leaders to join hands in safeguarding public resources for future generations.