Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday flagged off 549 new police vehicles and 12 Mobile Forensic Vans under the Assistance to States and Union Territories for Modernisation of Police (ASUMP) Scheme, describing the initiative as a major step towards building a modern, technology-driven and people-centric police force.
The flagging-off ceremony was held at the Police Complex in Chümoukedima as part of the state’s police modernisation programme for 2025-26.
Addressing the gathering, Rio said the induction of the new fleet reflected the state government’s commitment to enhancing the operational capability of the Nagaland Police to meet emerging security challenges. He said that with support from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the state had secured nearly Rs 150 crore under the Police Modernisation Scheme, a significant increase from the Rs 4 crore to Rs 6 crore received annually in previous years.
The Chief Minister said the package includes funding for mobility, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems, CCTV surveillance infrastructure, the Smart Police Suite and other technology-based policing initiatives.
Of the total allocation, vehicles worth around Rs 81.65 crore were flagged off on Monday. The fleet comprises 152 light motor vehicles, 325 medium vehicles, 68 heavy vehicles and four motorcycles, along with 12 Mobile Forensic Vans that will support scientific investigations at the district level.
Rio said improved mobility is essential for effective policing in Nagaland, where hilly terrain, scattered habitations and heavy monsoon conditions often make law enforcement difficult. He noted that nearly half of the existing police fleet had become old, unserviceable or had crossed the permissible service life under the Government of India’s vehicle scrapping policy.
“The new vehicles will replace nearly 35 to 40 per cent of the ageing fleet and substantially improve operational readiness,” he said.
The Chief Minister directed that the vehicles should be deployed based on operational requirements rather than rank or seniority, with priority given to district police units, police stations and remote areas. He also stressed the importance of proper maintenance and timely servicing of the vehicles.
Highlighting the changing nature of crime, Rio said modern policing now extends beyond maintaining law and order. He said challenges such as organised extortion, drug trafficking, cybercrime, financial fraud, human trafficking and crimes against women and children require specialised investigation and the use of advanced technology.
He also said the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) demands faster investigations, scientific evidence collection and better coordination among agencies. The 12 Mobile Forensic Vans have already been distributed to district executive forces, while additional forensic vans will be provided to all districts and the Crime Investigation Department (CID) in the coming years.
Rio further emphasised the need to strengthen human resources through open recruitment, specialised skills and continuous professional training in cyber forensics, digital evidence, financial intelligence and emerging technologies. He urged police personnel to promote community policing, respect citizens’ rights and carry out their duties with fairness, impartiality and humility.
“As Nagaland pursues better connectivity, greater investments, tourism, entrepreneurship and economic growth, peace and security will remain the foundation upon which all progress depends,” Rio said.
Director General of Police Rupin Sharma described the induction of the vehicles and forensic vans as the beginning of a larger transformation of the police force. He said the Police Headquarters had secured nearly Rs 155 crore under the Police Modernisation Scheme for 2025-26, compared to the Rs 5 crore to Rs 20 crore received annually over the past decade.
