Tura, Jan 21: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday inaugurated Meghalaya’s first and only anti insurgency school that combats militant activities. This centre is expected to train special forces across the country in their line of duty.
The programme was attended by Deputy Chief Minister I/c Home Prestone Tynsong, Minister of Education Lahkmen Rymbui, Director General of Police I. Nongrang, Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, senior civil and police officials, and other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma congratulated the Home and Police Departments on the completion of the Integrated Police Welfare Complex and the CIAT School.
Acknowledging the vision behind the project, he commended the then Superintendent of Police and now Inspector General of Police, Davis N. R. Marak.
“I would like to take this opportunity to commend him for his vision, determination, and commitment to moving forward with such a significant project, despite the challenges faced along the way”, the church minister said.
He also expressed his gratitude to the then Home Minister, now Education Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui, and his team for sanctioning additional funds to complete the project.
The Chief Minister noted that the strategic location of the complex provides an ideal environment for training not only Meghalaya Police personnel but also police personnels from across India and abroad.
“The counter-insurgency and anti-terrorism school benefits from dense forest conditions, challenging tropical weather, and difficult terrain, making it an ideal location for advanced training programmes,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of continuous innovation and development in training, particularly in the context of evolving law enforcement and counter-terrorism challenges. “I encourage officials to ensure that this facility is used effectively and continuously upgraded to meet the changing demands of modern policing, technology, and counter-terrorism strategies, especially given our proximity to the state border. Innovation and continuous development in training will be critical,” he added.
On the broader role of law enforcement, he remarked, “Maintaining law and order is one of the top priorities for any government. Every small step taken to strengthen the police force contributes to the larger goal of ensuring safety and stability in the state, and I hope the force continues to work with this commitment in the future.”
The complex consists of six components—Police Hospital/Dispensary, Officers’ Mess, JCO Mess, Police Welfare Training Centre, Sports Complex, and Recreational Centre.
It also includes an approach road and an overhead water tank.
Executed between February 2022 and January 2026, the complex reflects the Government’s commitment to enhancing morale, efficiency, training standards, and the welfare of the police force.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong expressed his delight at the inauguration, noting that “Baghmara will now receive the same attention and development as other districts.”
He highlighted the significance of the complex for police personnel and the local population, stating that it “will inspire and support our officers while serving the people of the state, particularly in this district.”
He assured that the remaining facilities, including the dispensary and sports complex, will be completed in the coming years.
Director General of Police I. Nongrang, informed the gathering about the passing of former Director General of Police of Meghalaya, Late W. R. Marbaniang. The gathering observed a minute of silence in his honour.
She described the inauguration as a moment of continuity and vision in policing, highlighting the foresight of officers who initiated the project decades ago. She emphasised that the CIAT School is envisioned as a centre of excellence, adding that “the training imparted here will not be theoretical—it will be delivered by officers who have faced real field situations.”
Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, congratulated all those involved, stating, “Development in a state is possible only when law and order is stable. Good governance can thrive only when citizens feel secure, investors feel safe, and there is peace in society.”
He also praised innovations such as the in-house technical wing at Police Headquarters and the Police Infrastructure Fund, which he said “has been instrumental in significantly improving police infrastructure across the state.”
Others who spoke on the occasion included D. N. R. Marak, Inspector General of Police (L&O), Meghalaya, who delivered the welcome address; S. Bamaniya, Superintendent of Police, South Garo Hills, who presented the project report; and J. F. K. Marak, Deputy Inspector General of Police (WR), Meghalaya, Tura, who delivered the vote of thanks.
The programme also featured a cultural performance by students of Captain Williamson Memorial Government College, Baghmara.
