Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik (Retd) on Wednesday, 11 November called for a professional, disciplined and people-friendly police force, stressing that law enforcement must be firm without losing sensitivity to citizens' concerns. The Governor made these remarks during a formal meeting with the state's newly appointed Director General of Police (DGP), Rajesh Kumar, at Lok Bhavan in Itanagar.

Key Directions to the New DGP

Governor Parnaik advised DGP Rajesh Kumar to prioritise making the Arunachal Pradesh police more professional, capable and responsive to public needs, according to an official of Lok Bhavan. He underlined the need to strengthen police-public relations and build broader public confidence through responsive, accessible and accountable policing.

The Governor encouraged the new police chief to ensure the force not only maintains law and order effectively but also earns public trust through its conduct, commitment and service-oriented approach — a distinction he appeared to draw deliberately between compliance and genuine community confidence.

Modernisation and Infrastructure Push

Governor Parnaik outlined what he described as a comprehensive approach to strengthening the state police. This includes merit-based recruitment, specialised and continuous training, modern weapons and equipment, reliable communication systems and upgraded police infrastructure. He stressed that personnel must be adequately equipped to respond effectively to emerging security situations.

He also underscored the importance of an efficient command-and-control mechanism, better coordination among security agencies and optimum utilisation of available manpower — areas that have historically posed challenges in the state's difficult terrain.

Governor's Assessment of the Security Landscape

During the meeting, Governor Parnaik shared his observations on Arunachal Pradesh's overall security scenario and expressed confidence that DGP Kumar's vast experience across diverse responsibilities in the national police establishment would help address the state's evolving security challenges. The Governor wished him a successful and productive tenure.

CM Pema Khandu Also Receives New DGP

Earlier on the same day, DGP Rajesh Kumar called on Chief Minister Pema Khandu at the latter's office. Taking to his official account on X, CM Khandu said: 'A pleasure to welcome Shri Rajesh Kumar, IPS, the newly appointed DGP of Arunachal Pradesh, who called on me today. My best wishes as he takes charge of this important responsibility. Wishing him a successful and fulfilling tenure in service to the state.'

The meetings signal that both the constitutional head and the elected head of government are aligned on priorities for the new police leadership as the state navigates a complex security environment along its sensitive borders.