IMPHAL, December 21: Deputy chief minister Gaikhangam has appealed to the personnel of Imphal East District Police to dispense their duties while showing respect and politeness towards the citizens. However, he warned them against demonstrating any relaxation while dealing with anti-social elements and criminals.
Gaikhangam was speaking while interacting with the ranks and files of the district police force during a surprise inspection at Imphal East Police Headquarter and Porompat Police Station today. He was accompanied by DGP Shahid Ahmad and principal secretary (home) J Suresh Babu.
Gaikhangam, who also holds the home department, instructed the higher ranked officers to take strict actions against police personnel involved in criminal activities.
During the visit, the team inspected the existing infrastructures of the police department, officer rooms, barrack, malkhana, mess hall and CCNTS training centre. The minister made enquiries about the current strength of personnel and attendance record.
He asked the district superintendent of police to scrupulously monitor unauthorised absentees, rampant issuing of out passes by unit commander and regular maintenance of attendance record.
Talking to media persons about the non-functioning landline phones at various police stations, Gaikhangam promised to treat the matter seriously. He admitted that the lack of telephone facility will hamper the process of public contacting the police stations to report crime or lodge complaints and gave his words that the telephone lines will be restored. He further added that another matter of serious concern is the tardy arrival of police at crime scenes as there is no official vehicle available or they have to use private vehicles.
In his sermon to the police personnel, the minister told them not to forget that they are there to serve the people and asked them to look up to their duties with reverence. Good governance is not the sole responsibility of the ministers, MLAs and officers but requires enormous contribution from the police department, he said.
He remarked that the good image of the police force has taken a serious beating as a result of the involvement of some personnel in anti-social activities and misbehaviour. He said such acts by the personnel cannot be tolerated and they cannot avoid punishment. On the other hand, those who performed their duty with dedication will be honoured, he added while making an appeal to the police personnel not to spoil the image of the department.
Gaikhangam, DGP Ahmed and Principal Secretary Suresh Babu inspected Porompat Police Station and instructed the SP Imphal east and OC, Porompat PS to make preparation for renovation of the buildings at the earliest.