Baghmara: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday inaugurated the Counter-Insurgency–Anti-Terrorism (CIAT) School and the Integrated Police Welfare Complex at Baghmara in South Garo Hills, marking a major boost to police training infrastructure and welfare facilities in the region.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home Prestone Tynsong, Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, Director General of Police I. Nongrang, Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, senior civil and police officials, and other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, the chief minister congratulated the Home and Police Departments on the completion of the project and acknowledged the vision behind it.
He particularly commended the then Superintendent of Police, now Inspector General of Police, Davis N. R. Marak, for his role in conceptualising and steering the project forward despite various challenges.
He also thanked former Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui and his team for sanctioning additional funds to ensure its completion.
Highlighting the significance of the location, Sangma said the terrain, dense forests and tropical weather conditions around Baghmara make it an ideal setting for advanced counter-insurgency and anti-terrorism training.
He said the facility has the potential to train not only Meghalaya Police personnel but also officers from across the country and abroad.
Stressing the need for continuous innovation, the chief minister said policing and counter-terrorism strategies must evolve with changing times and technology.
He urged officials to ensure that the facility is effectively utilised and regularly upgraded, particularly given the state’s proximity to international borders.
He also underlined that strengthening the police force is central to maintaining law and order and ensuring long-term safety and stability in the state.
The Integrated Police Welfare Complex comprises six major components — a police hospital and dispensary, officers’ mess, JCO mess, police welfare training centre, sports complex and recreational centre — along with an approach road and an overhead water tank.
Executed between February 2022 and January 2026, the project reflects the government’s focus on improving morale, efficiency, training standards and welfare of police personnel.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said the inauguration marked an important step in ensuring balanced development across districts, adding that Baghmara would now receive the same level of attention as other parts of the state.
He said the complex would benefit both police personnel and the local population and assured that remaining facilities, including the dispensary and sports complex, would be completed in the coming years.
Director General of Police I. Nongrang informed the gathering about the passing away of former Meghalaya DGP W. R. Marbaniang, following which a minute of silence was observed in his memory.
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She described the inauguration as a continuation of a long-term vision in policing and said the CIAT School is being developed as a centre of excellence where training will be imparted by officers with real field experience.
Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed said sustainable development is possible only when law and order remains stable.
He noted that peace and security are essential for good governance, public confidence and investor trust.
He also highlighted initiatives such as the in-house technical wing at Police Headquarters and the Police Infrastructure Fund, which he said have significantly strengthened police infrastructure in Meghalaya.
Inspector General of Police (L&O) D. N. R. Marak delivered the welcome address, while Superintendent of Police, South Garo Hills, S. Bamaniya presented the project report.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (WR) J. F. K. Marak delivered the vote of thanks.
The programme also featured a cultural performance by students of Captain Williamson Memorial Government College, Baghmara.
