Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 13
With the increase in vehicular traffic and the simultaneous increase in traffic-related crimes and violations in Nagaland, traffic cells have been established in the districts. These cells are to regulate, check and to investigate offences under the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, specific cases falling under the purview of section 34, Police Act 1861 and other local traffic laws and regulations that may be in force in the state or district.
This was stated in the Nagaland Police Manual tabled in the previous assembly session. The report said traffic cells may be opened in the district headquarters and other towns where traffic police are felt necessary by the state or the district. The personnel and staff of the cell shall be under the administrative and functional control of the superintendent of the district. The state government may approve the strength to man traffic cell duties. Where such sanctions are not made by the government, depending on the requirement of the district and on the availability of men, the Superintendent of Police of the district may set aside personnel for such duties from the existing strength of the district police.
The report also stated that as per the requirement and necessity of the district, the traffic cells may be placed under the charge of an officer of the rank of assistant superintendent of police, deputy superintendent of police, inspector (UB), sub-inspector (UB) or the assistant sub-inspector of police. It also stated that the traffic personnel will be a part of the unarmed cadre of the district police in whatever rank.
The traffic personnel may have their own separate offices wherever possible. However, where the infrastructure is not available for separate offices, they are to function along with the local police stations. In such locations where separate office establishments are opened, the rules framed for the police stations (Part V) will apply.
The report also stated that even though the traffic establishments may function like any other normal police stations, in so far as traffic matters and offences under Motor Vehicle Acts are concerned registering of case will rest with the local police stations. However, the traffic cell establishments may maintain general diaries relating to traffic incidents and offences relating to the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. To differentiate traffic cell personnel from other police personnel, separate uniforms are authorized for the traffic cell staff.
