Chairperson, Nagaland State Human Rights Commission (NSHRC), Justice Songkhupchung Serto called upon the Nagaland Police to protect and promote human rights, since no other organ of the state could take the place of the police in ensuring protection of right to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the citizens.
He was addressing as chief host to several high-ranking police officers and others from the state at the 15th Nagaland Police state level debate competition on human rights issues, organized by Nagaland police, under the aegis of national human rights commission, New Delhi, which was held at Rhondodendron hall, police complex, Chumoukedima here on Thursday.
Emphasizing on the state and its police role, he said State was formed by the people to ensure their right to life, liberty, equality and dignity were promoted and protected, as if such rights were not protected effectively, there would be unruliness, chaos, uncertainty and life would be devoid of peace and meaning.
He said with such understanding, the framers of the constitution have taken care to ensure nothing has been left out in the constitution.
Underscoring the importance of space occupied by the police, he urged them to take timely action and book the culprits who violates human rights.
On the challenges such as drug trafficking, gun culture, cybercrime, artificial intelligence and dark web, he encouraged the police to update their knowledge and skill in latest technologies and other areas of duty related requirement.
Serto also said that since Nagaland being next to Manipur, has been one of the gateways for drug traffickers, and pointed out that if the state does not deal effectively and firmly it was bound to become a major problem in the near future.
On this issue, he said NSHRC recently had a meeting with the principal secretary home, additional director general of police and other stake holders and discussed about the difficulties in sending the drug samples and human viscera to FSLs outside the state, since FSLs in the state did not have the facilities.
Acknowledging DGP Rupin Sharma, he expressed optimism that Nagaland police would witness important milestone achieved during his tenure but reminded that teamwork was required to make it easier and possible.
Dwelling on how the NSHRC came into existence with the appointment of chairperson and the members in the month of March and June, Serto mentioned that within the short time, they have visited all the police station and jails in Dimapur and Kohima districts, including schools community health centers, primary health centers, sub – centers and public distribution centers in Bhandari sub – division and further intend to visit all the districts in future.
He said the main objective of their visit was to know and understand the working environment and the challenges faced by the people.
He also informed that as per the resolution No. 48/13 of the UN human rights council passed in October 2021, clean healthy and sustainable environment as human rights were discussed at the international conference, they attended in Delhi recently.
Also addressing at the programme, DGP Rupin Sharma said human rights cannot be absolute and needed to be circumscribed by the needs of the society under certain circumstances.
He mentioned that human rights did not involve providing access to a citizen to indulge in illegal activities to earn a living, but the requirement to give the social fabric of a society together.
On the growing number of unions and organizations in the state, Sharma said forming association was a basic human right but should not be for illegal purpose, and neither cannot force people to be part of the association.
Sharma also mentioned that human rights involves freedom to express the views and also have the courage to accept the views of others.
Encouraging police officers as a responsible body, he said human rights should be allowed to prevail, however, if the law prescribed that a human right needed to be curtail for the benefit of the society, it has to be done according to the procedures laid down by the law.
The debate competition which was held under the topic “Technology is a boon/bane for human rights in contemporary world” witnessed participation of 16 police officials from four range Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung and Tuensang with its team leader for the motion UBI V. Vikheka Assumi representing commissioner police, Dimapur and team leader against the motion ABSI Abemo Tungoe, 13th NAP (IR) BN.
Kohima range bagged the overall champion, among the individual awards CN Supongnok, 2nd NAP BN from Mokokchung range was adjudged as the winner, 2nd ABC Richard Patton, DEF Wokha from Kohima range and 3rd UBC Siedzevito Angami, CP Dimapur from Dimapur range and were awarded with prize and certificate.
The event was moderated by ADCP, Chumoukedima Veni Vese and three panel of judges including DC, Chumoukedima Abhinav Shivam, DIG (Border) Naieem Mustafa Mansury and advocate, member of NSHRC R. Nzanbemo Lotha.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by ADCP, Chumoukedima Veni Vese, DIGP (HR & SJ), Kohima Narola Sophie welcomed the gatherings and vote of thanks by SP (HR & SJ), Kohima B. Achetla Ao.