For over 20 years, Sandeep Tamgarge has been a steadfast presence in Nagaland, a journey that began unexpectedly after his induction into the Indian Police Service. While his initial posting sparked a wish for proximity to his Maharashtra home, his father’s positive memories of service in the state provided a compelling reason to embrace the new chapter. In an exclusive video interview with Indian Masterminds, Mr Tamgadge shared about his 2 decades of service in detail.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE-
Mr Tamgadge’s anthropology background became a surprising asset as he delved into Nagaland’s diverse tribal cultures, recognising that effective policing here transcended theoretical knowledge. The state’s unique history and the constitutional protection of its customary laws under Article 371A necessitated a nuanced understanding. The long-standing armed militancy added another layer of complexity, requiring him to build trust with a population initially wary of law enforcement. He emphasises the eventual reward: the genuine acceptance from the Naga people once sincerity is proven.
During his extensive tenure, Mr Tamgadge has observed significant changes in Nagaland’s security and policing landscape. Early efforts heavily concentrated on countering armed militancy. However, with societal and technological advancements, policing has broadened its scope. A notable development has been the increased embrace of nationalistic sentiments, a stark contrast to earlier hesitations. Mr Tamgarge recalls challenges in celebrating national events, now replaced by enthusiastic public participation, as seen during the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign.
Beyond visible infrastructure improvements like better roads and mobile connectivity, IPS Sandeep Tamgadge highlights a fundamental shift in public sentiment. Support for militancy has waned, replaced by a strong desire for normalcy. He points to the remarkably low incidence of crimes against women as evidence of the state’s peaceful character. Consequently, the nature of crime has diversified, with cyber and economic offences presenting new challenges that require the police force to adapt beyond traditional anti-militancy operations.
Addressing the region’s intricate socio-political fabric, Mr Tamgadge emphasises the intrinsic community policing within Naga society. Strong village and family structures play a crucial role in maintaining peace. Current efforts focus on increasing awareness of modern laws and encouraging the use of the formal justice system alongside customary practices.
WATCH FIRST PART OF THE INTERVIEW HERE-
Reflecting on his career, including his time investigating sensitive cases for the CBI, Mr Tamgadge acknowledges the difficulties posed by time delays in evidence collection for such matters. Nevertheless, he attributes the CBI’s effectiveness to its robust institutional framework and stringent supervision.
Looking back at his service, IPS officer Sandeep Tamgadge sees his primary contribution as diligently fulfilling his responsibilities across diverse roles in Nagaland. His deep understanding of the region’s tribal communities, gained through experience and academic study, has been a particularly rewarding aspect of his career.
