Chümoukedima, July 27: Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Sunday flagged off 549 new operational police vehicles and 12 Mobile Forensic Vans at the Police Complex, Chümoukedima, marking one of the biggest modernization initiatives undertaken by the Nagaland Police under the Assistance to States and Union Territories for Modernization of Police (ASUMP) scheme.
The newly inducted fleet comprises 152 light motor vehicles, 325 medium vehicles, 68 heavy vehicles and four motorcycles, while the forensic vans are equipped with advanced portable tools for fingerprint analysis, narcotics detection, explosives detection, cyber forensics, blood and body fluid collection, and other scientific investigation capabilities.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Rio said the induction of the new fleet marks a major milestone in strengthening the operational capability of the Nagaland Police and reflects the government’s commitment to building a modern, responsive and people-centric police force. He said Nagaland has secured nearly ₹150 crore under the police modernisation programme with support from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The initiative includes funding for mobility, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems, CCTV surveillance infrastructure, Smart Police Suite and other technological upgrades, with the 549 vehicles procured at an approximate cost of ₹81.65 crore.
Rio noted that nearly half of the State Police fleet had become old, unserviceable or exceeded the permissible service life, affecting policing across districts, police stations, IRB battalions, highway patrols and investigation units. The new vehicles are expected to replace around 35–40 per cent of the ageing fleet, significantly improving operational readiness, particularly in Nagaland’s difficult terrain.
Emphasising accountability, the Chief Minister directed that the vehicles, purchased with public funds, must be used responsibly, deployed strictly based on operational requirements and prioritised for district police stations and remote areas. He also stressed regular maintenance and timely replacement of condemned vehicles to ensure an efficient fleet.
Highlighting emerging security challenges, Rio said modern policing must effectively tackle organised extortion, drug trafficking, cybercrime, financial fraud, human trafficking, and crimes against women and children through specialised investigation and advanced technology. He added that the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) requires faster, scientific investigations and improved coordination among law enforcement agencies. The Chief Minister further announced that the government has already distributed the 12 Mobile Forensic Vans to district executive forces and plans to provide additional forensic vans to all districts and the CID in the coming years to strengthen scientific investigation. Calling for continued reforms, he urged the Nagaland Police to transition towards professional, investigation-oriented and community-centred policing, emphasising that a modern police force is defined not only by vehicles and equipment but by the integrity, professionalism and public trust of its personnel. He also appealed to citizens to partner with the police by reporting crimes promptly and supporting lawful investigations.
Earlier, Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) Sandeep M. Tamgadge, IPS, in his welcome address, said the induction of the vehicles and forensic vans would significantly enhance the operational mobility of the force and strengthen scientific investigation at the district level, particularly under the new criminal laws. He thanked the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Government of India for supporting the initiative through the ASUMP scheme.
Director General of Police Rupin Sharma, IPS, described the induction as a transformative step that will enhance mobility, forensic capabilities and emergency response. He credited the Ministry of Home Affairs and the State Government for securing ₹155 crore under the Police Modernisation Scheme for 2025–26 and called for greater investment in cyber forensics, specialised manpower and police infrastructure. He reaffirmed the Nagaland Police’s commitment to building a technology-driven, professional and future-ready police force.
