Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has emphasized that policing in a democratic society must inspire trust, not fear. Addressing a regional police conference in Kohima on Tuesday, the Chief Minister said that security forces must earn people’s confidence through professionalism, fairness, and transparency.
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Policing with sensitivity and accountability
Rio spoke in the presence of top police officials from Nagaland and neighbouring northeastern states. He said, “In a democracy, the police must serve as protectors and not intimidators. People must feel safe when they approach the police, not afraid.”
He acknowledged the unique challenges of policing in border and tribal areas, but stressed that officers must maintain sensitivity and uphold the law with fairness. “We have to correct the image of policing. It must reflect empathy, restraint, and justice,” he added.
Public cooperation is key
The Chief Minister pointed out that public trust plays a central role in effective policing. Without cooperation from local communities, he said, even the most advanced security setups fail.
“We must strengthen community policing and beat-level engagement,” Rio stated. “The police cannot work in isolation. When the public views them as partners rather than threats, policing becomes more effective.”
The Nagaland Police have already introduced community-based models in towns like Mokokchung and Dimapur, where citizen-police dialogues have improved law enforcement outcomes.
Need for continuous reform in police forces
While applauding the efforts of state and central forces in maintaining peace, Rio also highlighted the urgent need for systemic reform. He said better training, increased manpower, and improved working conditions are essential.
“Training must not just focus on physical preparedness, but also on ethics, human rights, and communication,” he added. Rio also called for updated infrastructure, digitization of records, and faster case disposal mechanisms.
A proposal for police modernization in Nagaland is already in motion, which includes equipping officers with body cams, GPS systems, and real-time data tracking tools.
Protecting rights while ensuring security
The Chief Minister made it clear that balancing security concerns with human rights is crucial, especially in a state with a unique political and cultural context like Nagaland. He encouraged officers to operate within the framework of the Constitution, without violating the dignity or rights of any individual.
He said, “National security and individual rights must go hand in hand. The power to enforce the law must never turn into abuse.”
The statement comes amid public concerns over police excesses in some recent operations across India. Rio’s message was aimed at both restoring confidence and guiding future police conduct.
Role of youth and civil society
Neiphiu Rio also urged youth organizations, churches, and civil society groups to work with the police in building a safer Nagaland. He acknowledged the role of traditional institutions like village councils in maintaining order, especially in remote and sensitive areas.
“We must make safety a shared responsibility,” he said. “Our people must not see the police as outsiders but as fellow citizens working for peace.”
Several NGOs and youth leaders were present at the event and supported the idea of regular interaction with local police units.
Commendation and caution to the police force
During his speech, Rio also appreciated the efforts of the Nagaland Police for their dedication and professionalism in recent counter-insurgency and anti-drug operations. However, he warned against complacency and misuse of power.
“The uniform carries responsibility. Every action by a police officer reflects on the entire system. We must uphold the highest standards at all times,” he emphasized.
Women’s safety and inclusive policing
The CM noted that women’s safety must be a central pillar of policing in the state. He called for the expansion of women police stations and special cells for gender-based violence cases.
He also asked for more recruitment of women in the police force to ensure that law enforcement reflects the diversity of society.
“Without inclusion, we cannot build trust. A force that mirrors the people it serves will always do better,” said Rio.
Roadmap for the future
To ensure accountability, the Nagaland government is exploring stronger grievance redressal mechanisms for citizens. Rio also said that data-driven policing and predictive crime analysis must be adopted.
He proposed quarterly reviews of police-public relations and regular feedback surveys to monitor citizen satisfaction.
Additionally, the CM encouraged state police to work more closely with national agencies while retaining autonomy in local law enforcement.
Conclusion
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s message at the regional police conference underlines a powerful vision for law enforcement in Nagaland — one rooted in trust, justice, and service. At a time when confidence in institutions is being tested across the country, the call for empathetic and citizen-centric policing sets a progressive tone.
The state aims to lead by example, showing that in a democracy, power should never be feared — it should be trusted.
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