Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday, 27 July called for specialised investigation and advanced technological capability to counter growing security threats, stressing that organised extortion, drug trafficking, cybercrime, financial fraud, human trafficking, and crimes against women and children require a more modern and coordinated policing approach. The remarks came as he flagged off 549 new police vehicles and 12 Mobile Forensic Vans at the Police Complex in Chumoukedima, marking the first major outcome of Nagaland's broader police modernisation programme.

Scale of the Modernisation Drive

The 549 vehicles and 12 Mobile Forensic Vans were procured under the Assistance to States and Union Territories for Modernisation of Police (ASUMP) scheme for the financial year 2025-26, at an approximate cost of ₹81.65 crore. The fleet — which includes ambulances and water tankers — will replace 35 to 40 per cent of the ageing police fleet, significantly improving operational readiness. Chief Minister Rio noted that nearly half of the existing fleet had become old, unserviceable, or had crossed its permissible service life, hampering policing across districts, police stations, IRB battalions, highway patrols, and investigation units.

Unprecedented Funding Under ASUMP

Nagaland has secured nearly ₹150 crore under the broader police modernisation programme for upgrading infrastructure including mobility, CCTV surveillance, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems, and the Smart Police Suite. Director General of Police Rupin Sharma revealed that funding under the Police Modernisation Scheme surged from the usual annual allocation of ₹5 crore to ₹20 crore in previous years to nearly ₹155 crore in 2025-26 — an outcome he attributed to extensive scrutiny by the Ministry of Home Affairs and persistent efforts by Nagaland Police officers in preparing and defending proposals.

What the Chief Minister Said

Rio emphasised that mobility is critical for effective policing in Nagaland's difficult terrain, where timely emergency response, crime prevention, and disaster management all depend on reliable transportation. He called for continuous professional training in cyber forensics, digital evidence, financial intelligence, and data analysis, urging the Nagaland Police to transition towards investigation-oriented and community-centred policing grounded in integrity, professionalism, and public trust. He also appealed to citizens to cooperate with police by reporting crimes promptly and assisting lawful investigations.

Rio thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, and the state Home Department for their support in making the modernisation initiative a reality.

DGP's Assessment and Gaps Ahead

DGP Sharma described the vehicle induction as a major milestone in improving Nagaland Police's operational and forensic capabilities. He acknowledged the Chief Minister for consistently pursuing the state's proposals with the Union Home Minister, which he said enabled Nagaland to secure 'unprecedented financial assistance.' However, Sharma pointed out that police infrastructure — including police stations, outposts, and residential accommodation — still requires greater investment. He stressed that future modernisation must increasingly focus on technology, cybercrime, forensic science, intelligence gathering, and investigative capabilities. Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton also addressed the gathering.

What Comes Next

Sharma underlined the importance of timely release and utilisation of both Central assistance and the state's matching share to maintain eligibility for higher allocations in future years. Rio urged police personnel to deploy vehicles strictly on operational requirements, prioritise district executive forces and remote areas, and ensure regular maintenance. With the first major tranche now delivered, Nagaland's police modernisation programme is expected to expand further in the coming financial years.