Tura: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday inaugurated the newly constructed Jengjal Police Station in West Garo Hills, calling it one of the best and most strategically located police stations in the state.
Top officials including Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal, Superintendent of Police Abraham T. Sangma, DIG (Western Range) J.F.K. Marak, and MIDC Chairman James K. Sangma were present at the inauguration.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said the new police station has been built in accordance with Government of India norms and assured that all police stations in Meghalaya would gradually be upgraded or constructed to similar standards. He thanked the Nokma and local residents for donating land for the project.
Sangma said the newly introduced Police Infrastructure Renovation Fund has enabled district police heads to take up repair and renovation works without waiting for state government sanction.
Several police stations across the state have already benefited from the fund, he added.
The Chief Minister also announced that recruitment to fill more than 3,000 vacancies in the police department is nearing completion, describing it as one of the largest recruitment exercises in the state’s history.
He said the move will address manpower shortages and strengthen law enforcement capacity.
Highlighting Jengjal’s growing importance, Sangma said the state government will sanction Rs. 50 crore within this month for the development of Jengjal Airport, following the Airport Authority of India’s proposal.
Once completed, 19-seater aircraft operated by Air Alliance will begin services from Jengjal, prioritising the Shillong–Tura route.
He also said the government is identifying land in the area to serve as a permanent venue for large-scale events.
The chief minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernising policing through enhanced surveillance systems, cybercrime management tools and new technologies.
He urged police personnel to remain firm yet compassionate in their duties, emphasising empathy, sensitivity and public service.
DGP Idashisha Nongrang said the new building marks a significant advancement for Meghalaya Police, equipped with essential facilities including a general room, lock-up, officer-in-charge’s room, a women help desk and child-friendly spaces. She said the station is designed to meet both present and future needs, and will enable improved community engagement through dedicated meeting areas.
MIDC Chairman James K. Sangma said the new station fulfils a long-pending demand and strengthens law and order in a vital junction connecting multiple regions of Garo Hills.
He said modern policing requires modern infrastructure and the upgraded facility will boost the confidence and efficiency of police personnel.
DIG J.F.K. Marak noted that the station, notified in 2017, had been functioning from a rented Assam-type building for years.
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He said the new structure will significantly improve service delivery in the fast-developing junction town.
Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal said the station’s opening comes at an important time as Jengjal continues to grow as a key link between West, North and East Garo Hills.
He highlighted major events like the Me’gong Festival and the upcoming revival of Baljek Airport as developments reinforcing the area’s importance.
Students of St. Anthony’s School and performers from the Rhythm School of Music presented special performances during the programme.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from SP Abraham T. Sangma.
