Nagaland flags off 549 police vehicles and 12 mobile forensic vans under police modernisation

Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio flagged off 549 police vehicles and 12 Mobile Forensic Vans on Monday at the Police Complex in Chumoukedima. The programme is part of the Assistance to States and Union Territories for Modernisation of Police (ASUMP) Scheme.

The vehicles and vans were procured under the ASUMP Scheme for the financial year 2025–26. Rio said the induction is the first major outcome of the state’s broader police modernisation effort and is aimed at improving policing through better mobility and scientific investigation.

Mobility, CCTV and forensic capability

Rio said Nagaland has secured nearly ₹150 crore under the programme to strengthen policing infrastructure. He cited improvements such as CCTV surveillance, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems and the Smart Police Suite. He also said the 549 vehicles, procured at an approximate cost of ₹81.65 crore, will replace 35–40% of the ageing fleet.

According to Rio, nearly half of the existing police vehicles have become old, unserviceable, or have crossed their permissible service life. He said this affects daily operations across districts, police stations, India Reserve Battalion (IRB) units, highway patrols and investigation wings. He added that reliable transport is important for emergency response, crime prevention, investigation and disaster management in the state’s difficult terrain.

Focus on specialised threats and training

Rio said evolving security challenges such as organised extortion, drug trafficking, cybercrime, financial fraud, human trafficking and crimes against women and children need specialised investigation and stronger technology. He noted that the 12 Mobile Forensic Vans have been distributed to district executive forces, with more planned in the coming years.

He also urged police personnel to ensure the new vehicles are deployed based on operational needs. Rio called for regular maintenance, timely servicing and replacement of condemned vehicles. He added that the police should strengthen human resources through continuous training in areas like cyber forensics, digital evidence, financial intelligence and data analysis. He further appealed to citizens to report crimes promptly and cooperate with lawful investigations.

In the programme, Director General of Police Rupin Sharma said the induction is a milestone for operational and forensic capabilities. Sharma also mentioned that the new police fleet includes ambulances and water tankers to support emergency response and public service delivery, while noting that police infrastructure still needs greater investment.