Shillong: Meghalaya Director General of Police (DGP) Idashisha Nongrang has expressed concern that a large number of both crime victims and offenders in the state come from dysfunctional families, stressing that the roots of crime in the state lie as much in social breakdown as in law-and-order challenges.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Police Commemoration Day held at the state police headquarters on Monday, Nongrang said tackling these issues demands a collective effort from families, communities, and institutions, not just policing.
“It’s not possible for the police alone to address these problems. Unless society as a whole takes a holistic approach, the situation will persist,” she said.
Nongrang cited findings from an independent study that revealed Meghalaya’s transition from a transit corridor in the regional drug trade to a full-fledged “user state,” signalling deeper social and behavioural challenges.
According to her, the study established a link between rising drug use and an increase in petty crimes such as theft and burglary.
“We are examining whether enhanced beat patrols or other preventive policing measures can help address these emerging patterns,” the DGP added.
She also noted that many crimes against children continue to be reported across the state.
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“Though police have been able to arrest most of the perpetrators, the disturbing trend is that both victims and accused often come from dysfunctional family environments. This makes it a societal problem that requires intervention beyond policing,” she said.
Nongrang underscored the importance of technology in modern policing, emphasising the expansion of CCTV networks and other surveillance tools to prevent crime and enhance community safety.
Earlier in the day, the DGP led the state’s Police Commemoration Day ceremony, which honoured personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
The solemn observance included the reading of martyrs’ names, wreath-laying, and the traditional Shok parade.
