Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, Dy CM Y Patton, DGP Rupin Sharma, legislators and officials during the inauguration of two mess-cum-quarters at the Nagaland Police Complex in Chümoukedima on July 23. (Morung Photo)
Rs 10.5 crore police mess inaugurated at Chümoukedima
Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 23
Despite having one of the highest police-to-population ratios in the country, policing in Nagaland remains a formidable task. According to the Data on Police Organisations (as on January 1, 2023), Nagaland has 1,136 police personnel per one lakh population, significantly higher than the national average of 155.
Speaking at the inauguration of two newly constructed mess-cum-quarters at the Nagaland Police Complex in Chümoukedima on Wednesday, Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio said the difficult nature of policing in the state is evident from its continued designation as a ‘Disturbed Area’ under the Government of India and the imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, alongside the unresolved Indo-Naga political issue.
“Despite these challenges, the Nagaland Police have been performing effectively,” he said. The two mess buildings, constructed at a total cost of Rs 10.5 crore, are meant for gazetted and non-gazetted police officers.
“We have been functioning effectively and I feel that with these facilities, it will motivate and strengthen you even more,” Rio stated, adding that the new infrastructure reflects the government’s commitment to the welfare and professional development of the police force.
Recalling his tenure as Home Minister during the SC Jamir-led Congress government, Rio said the foundation for the current seven Nagaland Armed Police (NAP) battalions was laid during that period, with these units now serving across the country. “Nagaland Police has a good record. Therefore, we must continue to uphold our standards and set new benchmarks,” he added.
The Chief Minister also called for a revival of the police department’s once-glorious football legacy, which included winning the prestigious Santosh Trophy. With a force comprising approximately 27,000–28,000 personnel, he said forming a strong police football team should not be difficult. He expressed regret that the proposed ‘Nagaland Police Sports Battalion’—an election commitment made in 2018—has yet to materialise. The foundation plaque for the battalion was unveiled in November 2021 at the same complex.
About the messes
The two mess-cum-quarters were constructed under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) 2023–24 (Part-1).
The Non-Gazetted Officers’ (NGO) Mess is a four-storey facility comprising 32 rooms, one dormitory, a common kitchen, and a dining hall. Built at a cost of Rs 4.5 crore, the project was executed by NPWD Class-I contractor KKG Enterprise. Construction began in August 2023 and was completed in January 2025.
The Officers’ Central Mess, a two-storey building with 12 suites and 12 regular flats, was constructed at a cost of Rs 6 crore. The project was undertaken by NPWD Class-I contractor Ace Construction and was completed in December 2024.
Rio expressed satisfaction with the quality of construction, while noting that the government intends to implement stricter quality control in future projects. He informed that SASCI funds are provided as 50-year, interest-free ‘soft loans’ with a stipulation—funds must be utilised within the stipulated timeline or the state risks financial penalties.
He revealed that due to delays by certain departments, the state government had incurred a Rs 15 crore penalty for non-utilisation of funds within the given timeframe.
Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Y. Patton, in his remarks, proposed the replacement of the over 35-year-old Rhododendron Hall, where the event was held, with a modern multi-purpose facility. “I would earnestly seek the support and intervention of our Chief Minister in turning this vision into a reality,” Patton said.
