Manipur DGP reviews security across districts, lauds Cycle Patrol as effective community policing model

Imphal, June 30 (IANS): Manipur Director General of Police (DGP) Mukesh Singh, who has been undertaking extensive visits to districts across the state to assess the law and order situation at the ground level, has appreciated the Cycle Patrol initiative as an effective model of beat policing and community engagement, officials said on Tuesday.

A senior police official said that the Cycle Patrol initiative has been introduced in several hill districts as an effective model of beat policing, enabling close monitoring of the security situation in every habitation while strengthening police-public interaction.

Mukesh Singh, who earlier served as the Director General of Police in Ladakh, assumed charge as the Manipur Police chief on June 1. Since then, he has been visiting districts in both the Imphal Valley and the hill regions, holding a series of meetings with senior police officers, Army personnel, paramilitary forces and officials of various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to review the prevailing law and order situation, crime trends and operational preparedness.

The official said that during a high-level meeting at the Police Headquarters in Imphal, the DGP addressed senior police officers and commanders of the Special Commando Unit of the Manipur Police. The briefing focused on operational preparedness, professionalism, discipline and coordinated efforts to effectively tackle emerging security challenges confronting the state.

Singh, the senior-most IPS officer, accompanied by Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo, on Monday visited Kakching district, the Headquarters of the 8th Manipur Rifles Battalion at Leikun, and Chandel district to review security preparedness, policing measures and departmental welfare.

In Kakching district, the DGP reviewed the preparedness of the district police to prevent any untoward incidents in vulnerable areas during the ongoing farming season. Interacting with officers of the district police, CAPFs and Central agencies, he stressed the need for effective investigation, speedy disposal of cases, sustained operations against anti-national elements and drug traffickers, and intensified efforts to recover illegal arms and ammunition.

The police chief assured the officers and personnel that those displaying exemplary professionalism and outstanding performance would be suitably rewarded. He also interacted with representatives of various Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and discussed issues related to law and order and community cooperation.

At the Headquarters of the 8th Manipur Rifles Battalion at Leikun, the DGP chaired a review meeting on deployment at various posts and outposts, static guards and law and order duties. He emphasised professionalism, discipline and healthy work practices while encouraging officers and personnel to maintain a harmonious environment within the unit.

Singh also urged the officers to explore innovative ways for the optimum utilisation of the unit's land and other available resources to promote departmental welfare. During his visit to Chandel district, the DGP inaugurated the newly renovated Conference Hall at the Office of the Superintendent of Police and the newly established Cyber Cell, aimed at strengthening cybercrime investigation and modernising policing infrastructure in the district.

The DGP subsequently held interaction sessions with officers of the Chandel District Police, representatives of various CSOs and the Assam Rifles. During these interactions, he reviewed policing-related issues, emphasised professional and people-centric policing, appreciated the excellent coordination between the district police and the CSOs in maintaining peace and harmony, and underscored the importance of sustained inter-agency cooperation.

The DGP also encouraged the youth of Chandel district to participate in the forthcoming Manipur Police recruitment rally and contribute to strengthening the state's police force.

Singh has already visited more than 10 districts, covering both the hill regions and the Imphal Valley, during the past one month to review the law and order situation and assess the operational preparedness of the security forces, the official added.