Shillong, Nov 17: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma inaugurated the newly constructed Jengjal Police Station building at Jengjal, West Garo Hills, on Monday.
The programme was also attended by Idashisha Nongrang, Director General of Police, Meghalaya; Abraham T. Sangma, Superintendent of Police, West Garo Hills; J.F.K. Marak, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Western Range); Vibhor Aggarwal, Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills; James K. Sangma, Chairman, MIDC; senior government officials, police personnel and members of the community.
Addressing the gathering, the chief minister said that the Jengjal Police Station is one of the best police stations in the state which is located in a very strategic and ideal location making it accessible and convenient not only for the people but also for the police personnel in swift and efficient discharge of their duties and also expressed gratitude to the Nokma and the people of the area who have donated land for the construction of the police station. “This police station has been built in conformity to the norms laid down by the government of India and we will ensure that all police stations across the state will be upgraded, renovated or constructed according to the norms bringing in uniformity in all police stations,” he said.
He also informed that earlier renovating or repairing police stations was a cumbersome and a lengthy process as police stations required state government sanction even for minor works like painting. “Now with the Police Infrastructure Renovation Fund, the SPs can take up renovation and repairing of police stations without waiting for the sanction of the state government,” he said. He also informed that with the Police Infrastructure Renovation Fund many police stations have already been repaired or renovated.
Acknowledging the critical role of the police department in not only maintaining law and order but in ensuring long term peace and development, the Chief Minister assured of all support to the department. “I am happy to learn through the review meetings that I have had that so much work is being done and there is a continuous interaction between the government and the department,” he said. He also informed that the government through the police department is working towards having different technologies in managing cyber related activities, maintaining law and order and survellience that will bring the state at par with many other states thus continuing to bring transformative changes in the department.
In conclusion, the chief minister reminded all the officials and personnel of the department of their important yet difficult role and said, “While you need to be firm do not forget the human touch of care, empathy and sensitivity to the needs of the people. Remember you are here to serve the people and if we fail to se that we will be failing in our duties and responsibilities towards our citizens.”
Delivering her remarks, Idashisha Nongrang, Director General of Police, recalled her earlier posting in the area and shared memories of Jengjal’s significance in her career. She said the new building represents a major step forward for the Police Department, incorporating all required facilities such as the general room, lock-up, and officer-in-charge’s room, along with child-friendly spaces and a dedicated women help desk.
“This police station building answers not only the immediate needs, but also looks to the future needs of Meghalaya Police,” she said.
Reaffirming the department’s commitment to public safety, she added, “We will continue to do our very best in ensuring that we maintain the safety and security not only of our hills but of the state as a whole.”
She noted that the new station includes designated areas for community meetings and outreach initiatives, enabling closer engagement with local residents. Nongrang expressed her gratitude to the Chief Minister for his support and commended the West Garo Hills Police for the arrangements made for the programme.
Speaking at the programme, James K. Sangma, Chairman, MIDC, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his continuous support to the Dadenggre constituency and the Jengjal region. He said the new police station reflects a longstanding demand of the people and marks a “significant step towards strengthening law and order in this vital junction.”
He emphasised that peace is the foundation for development and noted that modern policing requires modern infrastructure. He added that the upgraded facility will greatly enhance the efficiency and confidence of police personnel, stating that “this new station will empower our officers to serve the people better.”
James also appreciated the leadership of the DGP, noting her role in ensuring a secure and stable environment that enables development to take place. He expressed hope that with continued support from the government, the region will see further improvements in infrastructure, youth facilities, and essential services.
Earlier, in his welcome address, J.F.K. Marak, spoke about the long-felt need for a modern police station in Jengjal. He highlighted that although the station was notified on 19 July 2017, it had been functioning from a rented Assam-type building for several years. With the completion of the new structure, he said the police station will “significantly enhance our capacity to serve the public efficiently and effectively.”
Describing Jengjal as a strategically located and rapidly developing junction, he stated that the new building represents “a significant step towards strengthening law enforcement infrastructure in this growing region.”
He added that the project was the result of “collective commitment, efficient coordination and sustained effort,” and expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and the DGP for their continued support.
Speaking on the occasion, Vibhor Aggarwal, IAS, said the new building comes at a pivotal time for Jengjal, which serves as an important link between West, North, and East Garo Hills. He noted that the area hosts major events such as the Me’gong Festival and will soon witness the revival of the Baljek Airport, recently handed over to the Airport Authority of India.
He said that establishing a fully functional, modern police station at such a vital junction is “a very big milestone for law and order, for traffic management, and for the overall development of this region.”
Aggarwal thanked the Chief Minister for his leadership, noting that “such important infrastructures give immense support to the administration and the police to deliver their services effectively to the people.”
He acknowledged the contributions of local MLAs, MDCs, and MIDC Chairman James K. Sangma, and credited the DGP for maintaining a peaceful environment that enables development initiatives to progress. He further stated that this new police station is only “the starting point, with many such infrastructures to come in future.”
A special performance by the students of St. Anthony’s School, Jengjal, and a musical presentation by the Rhythm School of Music added colour to the programme.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Superintendent of Police, West Garo Hills, Abraham T. Sangma
