Kohima: In a major boost to policing, mobility and scientific investigation, Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio on Monday flagged off 549 police vehicles and 12 Mobile Forensic Vans procured under the Assistance to States and Union Territories for Modernisation of Police (ASUMP) Scheme at the Police Complex in Chumoukedima.
Addressing the programme, Rio said the vehicles were procured under the ASUMP Scheme for the financial year 2025–26 and marked the first major outcome of the state’s broader police modernisation initiative. He said Nagaland had secured nearly ₹150 crore under the programme to strengthen policing infrastructure, including mobility, CCTV surveillance, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems and the Smart Police Suite.
The Chief Minister said the 549 vehicles, procured at an approximate cost of ₹81.65 crore, would replace 35–40% of the ageing police fleet, significantly improving the operational readiness of the force.
He noted that effective policing in Nagaland’s challenging terrain depends heavily on reliable mobility for emergency response, crime prevention, investigation and disaster management. Nearly half of the existing police fleet, he said, had become old, unserviceable or exceeded its permissible service life, affecting operations across districts, police stations, India Reserve Battalion (IRB) units, highway patrols and investigation wings.
Rio urged police personnel to use the vehicles responsibly and ensure they are deployed strictly according to operational needs. He called for priority allocation to district executive forces and remote areas, regular maintenance, timely servicing and prompt replacement of condemned vehicles.
Highlighting evolving security threats, the Chief Minister said organised extortion, drug trafficking, cybercrime, financial fraud, human trafficking and crimes against women and children require specialised investigation and greater technological capability. He also stressed the importance of implementing the new criminal laws through scientific investigation and informed that all 12 Mobile Forensic Vans had been distributed to district executive forces, with more to be added in the coming years.
Emphasising the need to strengthen human resources, Rio called for continuous training in cyber forensics, digital evidence, financial intelligence and data analysis. He said Nagaland Police must continue its transition towards investigation-oriented and community-centred policing built on integrity, professionalism and public trust.
He also appealed to citizens to cooperate with the police by reporting crimes promptly and assisting lawful investigations, adding that peace, security and development are essential for the state’s progress.
Rio thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, the Home Department and other stakeholders for supporting the police modernisation initiative.
Director General of Police Rupin Sharma, in his welcome address, described the induction as a significant milestone in enhancing the operational and forensic capabilities of Nagaland Police. He said the new fleet also includes ambulances and water tankers, which will improve emergency response and public service delivery.
Sharma said funding under the Police Modernisation Scheme had increased from the usual annual allocation of ₹5 crore to ₹20 crore in recent years, and further rose to nearly ₹155 crore during 2025–26. He attributed the increase to sustained efforts by the state government and Nagaland Police in preparing and defending proposals before the Ministry of Home Affairs.
He particularly acknowledged Chief Minister Rio for consistently pursuing the state’s proposals with the Union Home Minister, which helped secure the unprecedented financial assistance.
The DGP stressed the importance of timely release and utilisation of both Central assistance and the state’s matching share to maintain eligibility for higher allocations in future. While welcoming improvements in mobility and equipment, he said police infrastructure, including police stations, outposts and residential accommodation, still requires greater investment.
He added that future police modernisation must increasingly focus on technology, cybercrime, forensic science, intelligence gathering and investigative capabilities to address emerging security challenges.
Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Sandeep M. Tamgadge, who chaired the programme, said the newly inducted fleet comprises 152 light motor vehicles, 325 medium vehicles, 68 heavy vehicles and four motorcycles, in addition to the 12 Mobile Forensic Vans.
He said the forensic vans have been introduced in line with the implementation of the new criminal laws and are equipped for biological, cyber, explosives and narcotics forensic examination, among other functions. The vehicles, he added, will significantly enhance operational mobility and strengthen scientific investigation at the district level.
The programme concluded with the ceremonial flagging off of the vehicles and forensic vans by the Chief Minister in the presence of ministers, advisors and senior police officials.