Symposium resolves to adopt surveillance project

A symposium, organised by Business Association of Nagas (BAN) in collaboration with the office of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur, and Commissioner of Police (CP) Dimapur, has resolved to adopt a city surveillance implementation project for Dimapur, covering high-priority zones such as commercial districts, traffic intersections, public transport hubs, government premises, and vulnerable areas.
It resolved to implement the project under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, leveraging private sector investment, technology, and operational capabilities under public sector regulation and oversight.
The high-level symposium also resolved to constitute a multi-stakeholder task force comprising: home & police departments; urban development & power departments; DC’s office; municipal body; industry body & civil society. The task force would be mandated to define technical specifications, identify a suitable PPP model, structure financial and governance frameworks, and drive implementation.
It was resolved to ensure that all surveillance systems comply with legal and ethical safeguards, including data privacy, encryption, restricted access, and periodic audits.
Further, the symposium resolved to submit resolution to the Government of Nagaland, urging formal notification and immediate initiation of Dimapur surveillance project under PPP mode.
To deliberate on the urgent need for a structured and integrated surveillance system in Dimapur, the event brought together key government functionaries, law enforcement agencies, civil society representatives, legal experts, business leaders, and media professionals
Delivering the welcome address and objective setting, BAN president L Mongkum Jamir highlighted that safety was the foundation of all sustainable development, and surveillance was no longer just a crime control tool but a core enabler of urban governance.
Citing success stories from cities like Indore, Hyderabad, and Surat, BAN president emphasized the measurable improvements in safety, tourism, investment confidence, and civic administration achieved through city-wide surveillance systems.
He underlined that Dimapur, as the commercial and social epicentre of Nagaland, must lead the way. He called for immediate adoption of the project under PPP mode.
In his address, Director General of Police (DGP) Nagaland, Rupin Sharma, emphasized the importance of integrating existing isolated surveillance setups within private premises into a unified city-wide control system.
Sharma also advocated for public participation and community-led mobilization of funds. He said that businesses supporting surveillance project would be securing their own interests. DGP informed that the chief minister has extended his full support to the PPP initiative, adding that dialogues were already underway with various public sector undertakings and financial institutions and other stakeholders to actively participate in the city surveillance project.
DGP reaffirmed his commitment to making Nagaland a national example in proactive surveillance infrastructure.
DC Dimapur Dr. Tinojongshi Chang underlined the need to ensure public order and urban safety through real-time monitoring tools. CP Dimapur Kevithuto Sophie highlighted the department’s achievements in crime prevention and detection and the scope for further strengthening efforts through surveillance.
Bar Association of Dimapur representative raised key points around legal safeguards and privacy, reinforcing the need for an ethical surveillance framework. BAN grievance cell convenor Akum Jamir spoke on the growing concerns of business security and benefits surveillance.
Community stakeholders including Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and East Dimapur Business Association (EDBA) described the initiative as a long-overdue necessity for citizen safety and infrastructural advancement. They also expressed full support for the joint initiative led by the DGP and BAN.
The panel discussion was moderated by BAN advisor Thangi Manen, and the symposium concluded with adoption of resolution conducted by BAN vice president Ben Kithan and a vote of thanks by BAN executive council member Alobo Naga.