Director General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma on Wednesday emphasized the crucial role of Nagaland Police Service (NPS) mentioning that they are the backbone of the state’s police force.
He was speaking at the 52nd general conference of Nagaland Police Service Association (NPSA) at Rhododendron Hall, Police Complex, Chümoukedima.
“If the backbone is weak, we will not be able to stand up to any challenge”, Rupin said, pointing out that he has not seen any signs of it being weak, but acknowledged that there was always room for improvement.
The DGP also highlighted the principle of management, and said an optimal command ratio of 1:4 was generally effective through teamwork and open dialogue.
Rupin suggested greater collaboration between NPSA and the Indian Police Service Association (IPSA) Nagaland Chapter, noting that several common issues could be jointly taken up with the state government.
Dwelling briefly on the ongoing police recruitment process, he said if there is absence of a formal advertisement, it would surely lead to legal challenges in court.
He also said that since the issue has become a matter of judicial concern, he will not be able to respond to any queries on the said mater, and requested the media to respect the judicial process.
On compassionate appointments, the DGP explained that, as per the recent Supreme Court judgment, recruitment under this policy was permitted in two broad cases, if the deceased was the sole bread earner of the family, and on medical grounds, in cases of death.
He also shared that the Nagaland Police was considering a policy where personnel suffering from severe illnesses could be given the option of voluntary retirement, following some procedures, and allowing their children to be recruited in their place.
He however clarified that no decision has been made yet, and sought NPSA’s suggestions on the process. Further sharing on the vacancy and recruitment at the constable level, he called for fairness and merit-based selection, pointing that whoever were recruited, would serve for the next 35 years, and would either be an asset or a liability to the police force.
Speaking as the special invitee, Inspector General of Police (ADM), Joseph Hesso, reflected on the evolution of policing in Nagaland, throughout his 36 years of service.
He divided his career into two phases, pre-ceasefire and post-ceasefire, and remarked that policing was more effective before the ceasefire agreements.
“Back then, the police were highly regarded, and every section of society needed our services”, he said, but in the current scenario, “the Armies (Assam Rifles), have a lot of egos, as they have better facilities”. He also recalled how in the earlier times, Para Troopers Commandants used to come to their office to seek help.
He recalled how earlier, even extortionists and vehicle lifters were detained under the National Security Act (NSA) but lamented that such detentions have become almost impossible.
Hesso also shared an interesting history on how Nagaland’s first telephone tapping case was started in 1994 in Dimapur, where a prime suspect sarcastically acknowledged the effectiveness of police surveillance.
He therefore emphasized the growing role of technology in policing, but cautioned that Police should not be fully dependent on it.
“Many achievements today are attributed to technology rather than the police. We need to strengthen our procedural knowledge rather than rely solely on gadgets”, he said.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Imotemjen Jamir and Lika M Achumi, welcome remakes by vice president, NPSA, Talisunep Imchen, and presidential address by president, NPSA, Vilhousie Peseyie.
A special number was delivered by 15 (IR) Mahila band and vote of thanks by joint secretary, NPSA, R Philips Yanthan.