Police departments of different districts of Arunachal Pradesh celebrated the 50th Raising Year of Arunachal Pradesh Police in their own signature ways. However, outreach programmes and medical camps were common to all the celebrations, so as to benefit maximum people, even in the far-flung corners.
Speaking with Indian Masterminds, Deputy Superintendent of Police, East Kameng district, Mr. Martin Ratan, shared details about the day’s programmes.
ABOUT ARUNACHAL POLICE RAISING DAY
It was in 1972 that the first batch of 30 Sub-Inspectors and 18 Assistant Sub-Inspectors were recruited in Arunachal. These officers were trained at the Assam Police Training College in Dergaon. After training, the officers were posted to various districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
In 1973, Arunachal finally had a Police Training Centre of its own in Bandardewa. This centre started operations under an ex-army Subedar and the first batch of recruits passed out from here on 8 November, 1974.
In March 1976, the Government of India created a post of Inspector General of Police for this Union Territory. Shri K.P. Srivastava of U.P. Cadre assumed office as the first IGP of Arunachal Pradesh in March 1977.
Since then, there has been speedy process of modernization, development and expansion of the Arunachal Pradesh Police. On 20 February, 1987, Arunachal Pradesh acquired the status of a state, and, thereafter, the force has taken rapid strides.
At present there are 3 Ranges, 26 Police districts, 132 notified Police Stations (out of which presently, 93 Police Stations are functioning), 21 Outposts and 38 Check Gates, CI Post 3, 2 AAP Bns and 5 India Reserve (IR) Bns. Now, the total strength of Arunachal Pradesh Police is 15,289.
POLICE RAISING DAY IN EAST KAMENG
Mr. Ratan told Indian Masterminds that the 50th Raising Day was organized successfully at the East Kameng unit. During the function, the personnel present in the occasion were informed about the importance of the day – why Raising Day is celebrated every year on 8 November. Along with this, they were also informed about police’s objective, roles, services, and the sacrifices in 50 years of service.
“Since we are celebrating 50 glorious years of service, we have been organising number of public outreach programmes, awareness campaigns on social matters, and medical camps in the district from the beginning of 2022,” he said.
The East Kameng district police also organised a sports tournament on 4 and 5 November and a mini-marathon on 6 November to mark the ocassion. These were followed by a gun surrender programme, an awareness programme on the ill effects of drug abuse, and a programme on cybercrimes, traffic rules and safety.
The officer said that the public outreach programme has been a huge success and the response they are receiving from the public is commendable.
He said, “Hopefully, the celebration will bring more positive development, especially in relation to the public. When we connect with the public, we ourselves have a lot to learn from them, especially regarding the kinds of problem they face in the remotest areas of the district, and what kind of service we need to provide to them. All these efforts were made to bridge the gap between the public and the police.”
OUTREACH PROGRAMMES IN OTHER DISTRICTS
Mini-marathons, covering distances of 10 kms and 5 kms, were organised in Itanagar on Saturday as part of the celebration of the 50th Raising Day. The marathons were open for all.
Other than East Kameng, police in several districts including Tawang, Kurung Kumey, Anjaw, Longding, Changlang, Tirap, Shi-Yomi, West Siang and Siang organised a number of public outreach programmes, self-defence training programmes for girl students, and medical camps. Thousands of villagers benefited from the health camps, which were organised in these districts.
Police officials also held meetings with the villagers to spread awareness on drug problems, cyber security, airgun surrender, protection and preservation of nature and wildlife, POCSO Act, Juvenile Justice Act, traffic rules and road safety.