Retired sub-inspectors to investigate pending cases: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has spelt out the State Government's stands on a slew of issues, including cases pending in police stations, work culture, retaliation by police personnel etc.

Speaking on the floor of the State Assembly on Thursday, the Chief Minister said, "Each of the police stations in the State has thousands of cases pending. Dispur police station alone has around 15,000 pending cases. The government wants to complete charge sheets in all the pending cases. The rest is up to the court. We will engage retired sub-inspectors for the investigation and the preparation of charge sheets of the pending cases.

"One of the reasons behind cases piling up in police station is manpower shortage. To cap it all, the police personnel have to do a variety of duties. We've decided to create investigation wings and law-and-order wings in all police stations. That will make it a potent force. We're also contemplating making two or three shifts of duty in police stations.

"We lend support to the police personnel to act tough against criminals, but staying on the right side of the law. The criminals should bear in mind that they are under the watchful eye of a government that doesn't compromise with crimes like rape, trafficking, drug peddling, cow smuggling etc., they commit. At the same time, we've instructed the DGP, the ADGP and the Special DGP to ensure that no innocent person becomes the victim of police highhandedness. The government will equally condemn the highhandedness on the part of police personnel. For any such incidents, the police will face action under the law.

"So far, the police arrested 504 people in cow snuggling. Of them, only four have been shot at by the police in retaliatory action. The police know how to work within the perimeter of the law. Of late, a tendency is brewing up among a section of people sympathizing with criminals. This doesn't augur well for society. This august House should send a message that can encourage the police force to fight criminals with an iron hand."

On work culture, the Chief Minister spelt out a roadmap that can help youths hone their skill in their respective constituencies. He said, "Our thrust is to treat each LAC (Legislative Assembly Constituencies) as a skilled capital. The onus lies with the MLAs to hone the skills of the youths of their LACs through driving courses, training courses for nurses etc. We'll authorize the principals of the driving schools of LACs to issue driving licences without having to go to the DTO (District Transport Officers).

"Our thrust is to erase the mindset that the Assamese people lack work culture. There are ample scopes to boost the State economy. We can engage our people to produce eggs, meat, fish, etc., that drain out crores of rupees from Assam to other States every day. We have started exporting lemon, red rice, etc., to other countries.

"We need to reward the hard-working people who contribute to the state. We've instituted the Assam Ratna not to award any intellectual or others. This award is for working people who contribute to the state by the sweat of their brows.

"The government wants this august house to discuss work culture rather than crimes. The government is ready to extend all help to the working people."

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