Deputy chief minister and minister in-charge of Home department, Y Patton acknowledged the commendable job done by police personnel and expected a high degree of professionalism and dedication from the police but will not tolerate any kind of irresponsible behaviour, indiscipline and laxity in the discharge of duties.
Addressing the 49th general conference of Nagaland Police Service Association (NPSA) as a special guest at Rhododendron Hall, Police complex, Chumoukedima here on Friday, Patton said one area of serious concern in the police force was presence of “some” drug addicts and alcoholics and warned the personnel from performing duty under the influence of alcohol.
He told the police officers present on the occasion that such habits would invariably tarnish the hard-earned image of the entire force, calling for a comprehensive legal mechanism to further strengthen the force for weeding out such irresponsible personnel.
Patton maintained that Nagaland Police Service (NPS) was a premier service under the State government, adding that the NPS cadre officers played a crucial role at field level and also termed them as the backbone of the State police department.
He said that as NPS officers have been pioneers over the years, their contributions have been acknowledged by the government in many ways.
Mentioning that policeman happened to be the most visible representatives of government for the citizens, he said police stations and policemen were the first to be approached by the people in the hour of need, danger, crisis and difficulties. Hence, he pointed out that the police force was expected to be most accessible, interactive, disciplined and dynamic.
While stating that the primary duty of policemen was maintaining law and order, Patton admitted that their duties have multiplied owing to several additional responsibilities being thrust on them. “Police job is mostly situational and one has to be on his toes all the time and even during holidays and at odd hours,” Patton observed, adding that there was the added pressure of high public expectation during discharge of normal duties, more so in situations arising out of law and order problems.
He urged the police to uphold and enforce law of the land without favour, partiality and nepotism, stressing that no other agency of the government has been entrusted with such a huge responsibility of maintaining peace and order in the society, even as he exhorted them to be proud of their “unique distinction”.
Patton said that the State government was doing its best to bring about improvements in service matters, promotions and other infrastructural and organisational requirements, and assured to address any “genuine grievance” of the police in the days to come.
He urged the men in uniform to continue rendering their sincere and dedicated service to the society in keeping with their motto of “Security, Service and Sacrifice”, while appealing them to continue upholding the confidence and trust reposed on them by the government and prove to be worthy of such honour and serve the State and its people with dignity.
Addressing the gathering as a special invitee, director general of police (DGP) T John Longkumer said Nagaland police was respected wherever they went and hence reminded the police personnel, especially those recently inducted, of the legacy and responsibility to be shouldered by them.
The DGP acknowledged that the State’s police force shouldered responsibility during the most violent and turbulent days since Nagaland achieved Statehood, adding that NPS cadre has truly done a commendable job.
Speaking about administrative gaps, he stressed that it was time to review and look at all these to reform and rethink how to improve the service and condition.
Longkumer observed that the emphasis of policing has changed, and referred to cyber crimes and new challenges like mass protests, etc, and appealed all present to innovate for tackling every new issue. He admitted that challenges would be unending, but one must be ever ready to face new challenges.
He also thanked the deputy chief minister for the support and cooperation rendered to the police force.
In his presidential address, NPSA president Vekhosa Chakesang said the general conference of the association provided an opportunity for serving NPS officers to congregate, share ideas for introspection and attain the benchmark to State Premier Service (SPS).
He remarked that the primary objective of the conference was to deliberate important issues pertaining to grievances of NPS cadre officers and taking them up with the government for redressal.
The conference also discussed matters pertaining to ROP, allowances and other general interest of police force as a whole, he added.
Referring to the history of NPSA, Chakesang said the association was formed in 1971 and was formerly known as “Nagaland Police Gazetted Officers’ Association” occupying the position of “premier service” along with NCS under the State government. Having its own regular cadre and service rules, it was later amended as Nagaland Police Service, Rules 2006, regulating recruitment and conditions of service of persons appointed to NPS. He lamented that with the introduction of IPS cadre in the State in 1989 and due to faulty cadre management, service condition of SPS has been badly affected over the years.
He acknowledged the deputy chief minister for the recent NPS cadre review, and stated that it would not have been completed without his personal interest and active support throughout the process. He assured full cooperation and solidarity to the government in service of the people.
The programme was chaired by NPSA general secretary Watichuchang Jamir, while invocation was offered by NPBCA executive secretary Rev Dr Hukashe Zhimomi and vote of thanks delivered by NPSA joint secretary Shouka Kakheto.