Kohima, July 28 (MExN): The Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Council (AKMWC) has welcomed the Nagaland government's decision to establish a separate Directorate of Forensic Sciences, describing it as a significant step towards modernising criminal investigation and strengthening the state's criminal justice system.
In a statement, the AKMWC said the decision reflects the growing recognition that scientific evidence, rather than suspicion or confession, should form the foundation of a fair, impartial and effective criminal justice system under the new criminal laws.
The association also welcomed the induction of mobile forensic vans, the proposal to recruit specialised officers, the strengthening of the State Forensic Science Laboratory and the creation of an independent Directorate of Forensic Sciences.
It said these measures addressed concerns repeatedly raised by the association in its earlier representations regarding delays in forensic response to major crime scenes in Kohima, which had resulted in the loss or compromise of valuable evidence and affected the quality of investigation and prosecution.
While appreciating the government's initiative, the AKMWC urged it to implement the reforms within a definite timeframe.
The association called for the early operationalisation of the Directorate of Forensic Sciences with adequate financial, technical and administrative autonomy, expedited recruitment of forensic scientists, officers, cyber forensic experts and other specialised personnel, and strengthening of the State Forensic Science Laboratory with modern facilities and specialised divisions for DNA analysis, cyber forensics, ballistics, toxicology, biology, chemistry, fingerprints, questioned documents and digital evidence.
It also recommended the creation of adequate forensic infrastructure in the state capital, phased deployment of mobile forensic vans in every district, and continuous specialised training for investigating officers to ensure proper collection, preservation and presentation of scientific evidence in accordance with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and other new criminal laws.
The association further urged the government to expedite the recruitment of qualified Naga youths trained in various branches of forensic science, saying indigenous expertise was essential for the long-term sustainability of the state's forensic system and would reduce dependence on external agencies.
It also suggested that the government consider granting a one-time age relaxation, in accordance with law and policy, if eligible local candidates are unable to meet existing age or technical eligibility criteria, so that trained professionals are not deprived of the opportunity to serve the state.
