Nagaland Police adds 549 vehicles and 12 forensic vans in modernization drive

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio flagged off a major police modernization program in Nagaland, unveiling 549 new police vehicles and 12 Mobile Forensic Laboratory Vans procured under the Assistance to States and Union Territories for Modernisation of Police (ASUMP) scheme. The state secured nearly ₹150 crore for the initiative, with the vehicles costing about ₹81.65 crore and expected to replace roughly 35‑40 % of the aging fleet, improving response in emergency, crime prevention, investigation and disaster management.

A related report notes the acquisition totals 561 vehicles, including 64 motorcycles, buses, pickups and water tankers, all part of the same funding allocation. The new assets are complemented by CCTV, ANPR systems and a Smart Police Suite. Rio emphasized the need to shift from a traditionally armed, counter‑insurgency focus toward professional, investigation‑oriented, community‑centered policing, saying, “Our Nagaland Police must continue its transition from predominantly armed policing to professional, investigation‑oriented, and community‑centered policing.” Police leaders, including Director General of Police Rupin Sharma, acknowledged past deficits in investigative capabilities and welcomed the modern equipment as a step toward stronger forensic and digital crime response.