Assam Chief Minister Directs Strengthening of Sensitive and People-Centric Police System

Guwahati, August 18: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reviewed the state’s law and order situation on Monday. He instructed police officials to enhance a modern, sensitive, and people-centric police system. Special emphasis was placed on crime prevention and effective investigation.

During the meeting with Director General of Police (DGP) Harmit Singh and senior officials from the police and home departments, critical issues related to the overall law and order situation in the state were discussed.

Topics included strategies for preventing child marriage and polygamy, crime control, reforms related to Home Guards and village defense forces, the Dial-112 emergency service, police battalion projects, police housing, and the reorganization of police station jurisdictions.

Chief Minister Sarma stressed the need to strengthen the investigation process. He stated that criminal cases should reach logical conclusions, ensuring timely and effective investigations to convict offenders and improve the conviction rate.

This review comes amid concerns regarding the pace of criminal investigations in Assam. The state government reported to the assembly on July 6 that only about 54% of nearly one million cases registered since 2016 have led to the filing of charge sheets. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) first came to power in the state in 2016.

Sarma has previously emphasized the need for police system reforms, strengthening the investigation mechanism, and providing better security services to citizens.

Meanwhile, Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota met with Major General Inderjeet Singh Bhinder, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (East), on Monday. They discussed security and development issues concerning the state and the entire northeastern region.

According to Kota, the meeting focused on improving coordination between civil administration and security forces, particularly regarding security, border management, and development projects.

The Chief Secretary praised the role of Assam Rifles in maintaining peace and security in the northeast. He highlighted the importance of their ongoing engagement and contributions with various communities in the region.