Nagaland NPP state calls for strengthening forensic infra

Expressing deep concern over the continued lack of adequate forensic infrastructure across the State, the National People’s Party (NPP) Nagaland state unit has appealed to the state government to address the matter as a top public priority.
NPP state unit through its media & IPR cell stated that absence of forensic laboratories in Kohima and other districts had severely hindered and delayed criminal investigations, undermining the timely delivery of justice. The party stated that investigation teams, in several recent murder and criminal cases, had been compelled to wait for hours as the forensic unit had to arrive from Dimapur. It said the delays were further compounded by traffic congestion, poor road conditions, and landslides — often resulting in the loss of crucial evidence and prolonged investigation timelines.
NPP unit said that such shortcomings not only weakened the justice system but also eroded public confidence in law enforcement agencies.
Appreciating the deputy chief minister, Y. Patton’s assurance to strengthen forensic facilities, NPP stressed the need to treat the matter with utmost urgency and top priority.
The party acknowledged the efforts of the lone state forensic science laboratory (FSL) in Dimapur, but emphasized that FSL in Dimapur required urgent upgradation to effectively meet the growing demands of modern criminal investigations.
It said that the FSL in Dimapur currently lacked advanced forensic tools, specialized divisions, and adequately trained personnel necessary to handle today’s increasingly complex cases.
NPP unit said that strengthening this vital institution was essential to ensure efficiency, transparency, and credibility within the justice system.
Therefore, the party has suggested the state government to establish regional forensic laboratories in Kohima and other key districts to ensure timely, decentralized, and accessible investigation support.
NPP state unit also recommended upgrading FSL Dimapur with state-of-the-art facilities, including DNA testing, cyber and digital forensics, toxicology, and ballistic divisions, supported by adequate infrastructure and logistics.
It also urged the government to recruit qualified forensic experts and initiate continuous training programs for police personnel and investigators to enhance professional standards and accuracy in evidence handling.
Further, the party emphasised that effective coordination among the police, prosecution, judiciary, and forensic departments was essential to expedite case disposal and uphold the integrity of investigations.
NPP unit called upon the state government to allocate a dedicated forensic science budget and include forensic development as a priority area within the State’s law and order and criminal justice policies.
The party underscored the need for awareness and sensitization programme to educate citizens, law enforcement officers, and legal practitioners on the importance of forensic evidence in ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in justice delivery.
NPP state unit asserted that unless the state urgently strengthened its forensic infrastructure, the law enforcement system would continue to face inefficiency, delays, and loss of public trust.