SHILLONG: The newly appointed Director General of Police (DGP), Idashisha Nongrang, kickstarted her tenure with an innovative initiative dubbed “Open House”, aimed at fostering direct engagement with the public.
The inaugural session of this initiative witnessed robust participation, with over 35 individuals, predominantly women, actively taking part on Thursday.
Dressed in casual attire, DGP Nongrang dedicated 15-20 minutes to interact with visitors, primarily in groups of three, ensuring each attendee received ample time to voice their concerns.
Expressing her gratitude for the diverse representation, DGP Nongrang highlighted the range of grievances and requests brought forth by attendees.
Issues ranged from concerns involving serving policemen to requests for assistance with matters concerning deceased officers, including compassionate appointments, she said.
While addressing the press after the session, DGP Nongrang underscored the need for immediate attention to certain issues, while advising others to follow up through appropriate channels.
A notable highlight of the discussions revolved around the advocacy for individuals with disabilities, with groups highlighting the necessity for specialised training for traffic police to better cater to this demographic.
In response, DGP Nongrang pledged swift action, promising the prompt implementation of training programmes.
In addition to individual grievances, DGP Nongrang also stressed on the importance of tackling public nuisance and drew attention to a specific case related to crimes against women.
Responding to queries, DGP Nongrang clarified that requests from taxi aggregators were not on the agenda for the day.
However, she encouraged individuals with pending matters to schedule appointments for future sessions.
Scheduled to take place every Thursday, the “Open House” initiative welcomes the public without prior appointments.
Individuals can walk in and register themselves from 9:30 am to 11:45 am to meet with the police chief and share their grievances, facilitating an open dialogue aimed at contributing to a better society.
The initiative has garnered widespread appreciation from people across various sectors, signifying enhanced community engagement and accountability.
