Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday called for a modern, technology-driven and conviction-focused policing system, stressing that strong internal security is essential for the state’s continued development.
He was addressing the inaugural session of a state-level conference of Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Commandants at the DK Convention Centre in Itanagar.
Highlighting the growing role of technology in law enforcement, Khandu underscored the need to strengthen cybercrime capabilities and digital forensic infrastructure. He said technology represents the future of policing and urged officers to upgrade skills and systems accordingly.
He also advocated for the active use of official police social media platforms to enhance transparency and public awareness. Proposing a dedicated social media team under the Director General of Police (DGP), he advised that such platforms be used strictly for official communication.
Turning to border management, Khandu noted that Arunachal Pradesh shares international boundaries with Bhutan, Myanmar and Tibet. He emphasised vigilance along the Myanmar border, particularly in Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts, where issues such as extortion and drug trafficking linked to cross-border insurgent elements remain concerns.
He asserted that while the state does not face a homegrown insurgency, it must take responsibility for addressing existing challenges without over-reliance on the Centre.
The Chief Minister commended the state police for thwarting attempts to revive insurgency under the banner of the United Tani Army. He called for strengthening the Special Task Force, improving manpower and training, and enhancing coordination with central armed forces, including the Assam Rifles.
On governance, Khandu highlighted Arunachal’s tribal diversity and urged officers to remain sensitive to local dynamics. Inclusive administration, he said, requires structured dialogue with stakeholders and an understanding of regional social nuances.
Addressing illegal immigration, he said the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, is being digitised and will soon be rolled out statewide. He stressed the need for proactive monitoring to curb illegal entry.
Describing the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam as transformative reforms, Khandu praised the police for achieving full training coverage and implementing digital initiatives such as e-Suraksha and mobile forensic units.
However, he expressed concern over the state’s reported conviction rate of around 30 per cent and urged closer coordination between police, law and judiciary departments to improve outcomes. He sought the strengthening of the State Forensic Science Laboratory, including manpower augmentation.
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Emphasising that robust internal security is crucial for Arunachal Pradesh’s progress towards becoming a developed state, the chief minister urged authorities to prioritise modern criminal justice mechanisms, AI-enabled policing, strengthened cyber security measures, effective narcotics control, and enhanced protection for women and children.
