Rio acknowledges difficult environment faced by police

Chief minister Dr Neiphiu Rio acknowledged the difficult environment in which officers, and men and women of Nagaland Police operated, referencing the unresolved Naga political issue, continued extension of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), and state’s frequent portrayal as a “disturbed area”.
Speaking at the inauguration of Nagaland Police Officers’ Mess and Non-Gazetted Officers’ (NGO) Mess at Police Complex, Chümoukedima on Wednesday, Rio however commended the police for their commitment despite these challenges, hoping the new facilities would motivate them further to work for the society.
He urged the police men and women to not only maintain law and order but also excel in other areas, including sports.
He recalled the state government’s earlier decision to establish a dedicated Sports Battalion, a project that remained inactive, and urged the Police Department to revive it.
“With approximately 27,000 to 28,000 personnel, forming a competent sports team should not be difficult,” he opined.
Citing police personnel in other parts of the country winning medals at the national and international levels, asked the Police Department to take the matter seriously.
Highlighting state’s emerging challenges such as cybercrime, organised crime, and drug trafficking, Rio reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthening the police force with modern infrastructure, training, and technology.
He said the mess facilities were part of broader efforts of the state government to build the capacities of Nagaland Police.
He described the inauguration of the mess buildings as a significant step toward improving welfare and working environment of police personnel, adding that the new buildings symbolised the state government’s commitment to the dignity, unity, and professional growth of Nagaland Police.
“These are not just buildings. They represent our respect and gratitude for the tireless service and sacrifices of our police force. They serve as centres of unity, camaraderie, and discipline,” he stated.
He acknowledged the hardships faced by police personnel and their families, particularly with regard to housing and working conditions, assuring that the government would continue to explore ways to enhance their welfare.
The chief minister said the mess buildings were constructed under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. He stressed timely utilisation of such funds, revealing that the state had to pay a penalty of Rs 15 crore last year due to non-submission of utilisation certificates by some departments.
He credited all stakeholders involved in the project’s successful completion, from administrators to engineers, architects, contractors, and the police personnel who oversaw its execution.
Emphasising that policing was not just about authority but building trust through professionalism and integrity, he appealed the police to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, impartiality, and integrity.
He stressed that law enforcement and civil administration formed the backbone of the state government, commenting, “While other departments focus on development and welfare, it is the police and administrators who ensure peace and order for everything else to function.”
As serving the public was a privilege, and as with privilege came responsibilities, he urged the police men and women to rededicate themselves, work to keep law and order under control and win the confidence and trust of the people.
He recalled that the history of officers’ mess dated back to the establishment of 1st NAP Battalion in 1964, hoping that the new complex would resonate with stories of brotherhood, courage, shared purpose, and professional pride, carrying forward the proud traditions of the past and inspiring future generations.
The chief minister was accompanied by deputy chief minister Y Patton, Rural Development minister Metsubo Jamir, Labour & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, and Excise adviser Moatoshi Longkumer, Tribal Affairs and Elections adviser H Tovihoto Ayemi, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services adviser Kazheto Kinimi, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs adviser Zhaleo Rio, director general of police (DGP) Rupin Sharma, and other senior officials.
Delivering his address as a guest of honor, Patton, who is also in-charge of Home portfolio, described the occasion as “refreshing and momentous”, claiming that the inauguration of the officers’ and NGOs mess buildings was a major milestone for Nagaland Police.
He noted that the previous officers’ mess built in the early 1970s had deteriorated over the years and was scattered across different locations, making it challenging for both personnel and officers to operate efficiently.
Taking into consideration the disadvantages, he said the state government decided to replace old structures with modern, multi-storey buildings.
He stated that the state government under the leadership of chief minister secured fund from the central government under Part-I of the SASCI scheme 2023-24.
Patton also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for sanctioning Rs 10.50 crore for the two projects.
He disclosed that the new officers’ mess could accommodate 24 officers and their families, while NGOs’ mess provided housing for 64 non-gazetted officers.
He asserted, “These buildings reflect our government’s commitment to providing dignified and functional spaces for our police personnel.”
He acknowledged contributions of local contractors M/s ACE Construction and M/s KKG Enterprises for completing the project within the stipulated time and specifications, lauding the Police Engineering Project (PEP) team for supervision and quality control.
Patton also proposed development of a new state-of-the-art multipurpose facility to replace the aging Rhododendron Hall, which was inaugurated in 1990. He appealed for support and intervention of the chief minister in making the vision into a reality.
He encouraged both officers and NGOs to take full advantage of the upgraded mess facilities, reminding them that these were not just accommodation facilities but also potential venues for capacity-building activities.
“Now that you have better infrastructure, I urge you to work harder, strive for excellence, and bring laurels to the state,” he exhorted them.
Delivering the technical report, PEP chief engineer K Imnajungba Jamir said the officer’s mess building (G+2) with a plinth area of 14,760 sq ft was constructed at a cost of Rs 6 crore, adding that the project commenced on August 16, 2023 and completed on December 3, 2024, constructed by M/s Ace Construction. The building consisted of 12 suites and 24 of normal flats with fire safety installed.
The stated that the NGO mess building (G+4) with a plinth area of 16,176 sq ft was completed at a cost of Rs 4.50 crore, adding that the project commenced on August 17, 2023, and completed on January 7, 2025, constructed by M/s KKG Enterprises.
He mentioned added that the NGO’s mess building comprised of 32 rooms (double bed), along with one dormitory, common kitchen and dining, besides one room for person with disabilities with fire safety installed.
The programme was chaired by DGP (training) Imnalensa, with welcome address delivered by Rupin Sharma, and vote of thanks by ADGP (admin) Renchamo P Kikon.