State celebrate 1st Nagaland Police Day
DIMAPUR, MAY 15 (MExN): Four decades on, since the formation of the state police, the Nagaland Police at last set aside a special day to honour and remember the valiant men and women who has helped shaped the force thus far. The 1st Nagaland Police Day was celebrated Tuesday, May 12 amid much fanfare at the NAPTC Complex, Chumukedima. Marking the momentous occasion, other rank and file of the force also joined the celebration by holding prayer services in all places of worship of Nagaland Police across the state.
Governor Nikhil Kumar, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Home Minister Imkong L Imchen and Planning & Coordination Minister TR Zeliang were among the list of special guests today at the NAPTC.
The fifteenth of May was chosen as the date to mark that day back in 1985 when the state police received its ‘colours’ (a military tradition) – the red, blue and a charging mithun. The then Governor of Nagaland, Gen. (Rtd) KV Rao had presented the ‘colours’, on behalf of the President of India, to Nagaland Police in an impressive ceremonial parade held at the Kohima local ground.
“The 1st Nagaland Police Day… is being celebrated on the occasion of the same day twenty-seven years back, when we received our own colours, a significant feat by any standards. Given in recognition of our achievements, this honour came within just 22 years after our establishment, and it is noteworthy that we were one of the first state police forces to be given this honour previously conferred only on military units for their feats on the battlefield,” states the Nagaland Police Newsletter on the significance of the date. The newsletter was released by the Governor.
The Governor in his address, while congratulating DGP O Alem and Home Minister Imkong L Imchen for making possible the event, said that the work of the Nagaland Police has been acknowledged not only here but also outside the state as well. Making special mention of the IR units, he said, “They (Nagaland Police) have done commendable job.”
Any police force has a task before it and that task is to perform, he said at the same time accentuating on access to information, intelligence and above all cooperation. Emphasizing on the important role of the police, the Governor said, “We must remember that the police is there to protect the society.” And on the same breath, he added that the state police have also been conscious enough of the need to take care of its personnel. The Governor also gave away awards to personnel recognized for outstanding performance.
“Thus far the government of India, the government of Nagaland and the people of Nagaland have been with us and recognized out gallant sacrifices. Let us remain committed to the cause and give our best to the people, our state and our country. Let us re-dedicate ourselves and hold our head high to the colours we have earned – so God help us,” declared DGP O Alem giving the welcome address.
Following the formation of the 1st and 2nd NAP Battalions in 1964, Nagaland Police is now 15 battalions and 11 DEFs strong, with an intelligence wing and forensic science.
CM lays foundation of NP Archives
The state police will soon have an archive of its own if the assurance given by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio takes shape. Rio laid the foundation stone for the Nagaland Police Archives Building on the sidelines of the 1st Nagaland Police Day at NAPTC. “My government will see to it that the Archive building is built in the shortest possible time,” pledged the CM.
On what might have delayed the state police from observing such a day as today’s, the CM said that maybe it was because other pressing engagements kept the force busy. “May be we were too distracted by the day to day activities,” he said. The commemoration of the state police day, he said, will go a long way in encouraging the men and women of the force to serve the state and the country even better.
Meanwhile, the afternoon session of the Nagaland Police Day was graced by Home Minister, Imkong l. Imchen as the chief guest who gave away awards and certificates in various fields.
Cash award and certificates were given away to best three Police Schools basing on HSLC and HSSLC 2012 results namely; 2 NAP Higher Secondary School, Alichen, 4 NAP Regimental School, Thizama and 7 NAP Unit School, Bhandari. Other awards included certificates to footballers, archers, boxers, parade contingents, police bands and Havildars etc.
In an exhibition football match, Team B defeated Team A by 5-4. Archers and boxers also exhibited their skills during the programme.
