West Garo Hills, November 17 : In a major boost to policing and public safety infrastructure, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated the newly constructed Jengjal Police Station building at Jengjal, West Garo Hills. The inaugural programme was attended by Idashisha Nongrang, IPS, Director General of Police, Meghalaya; Abraham T. Sangma, IPS, Superintendent of Police, West Garo Hills; J.F.K. Marak, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Western Range); Vibhor Aggarwal, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills; and James K. Sangma, Chairman, MIDC, among other senior government officials, police personnel, and community members.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma described the new Jengjal Police Station as one of the best in the state, both in design and location.
“This police station stands at a strategic and ideal point, making it accessible for the public and convenient for police personnel to respond swiftly and efficiently,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the Nokma and local residents who donated land for the construction and confirmed that the building was designed in accordance with national standards. “We will ensure that all police stations across Meghalaya are upgraded or built to uniform specifications,” he added.
Highlighting reforms in police infrastructure, the Chief Minister explained that the Police Infrastructure Renovation Fund now empowers Superintendents of Police to undertake repair and renovation works without waiting for state sanction. “This reform has enabled several police stations to be upgraded efficiently,” he noted.
He further informed that recruitment for over 3,000 vacancies in the police department is nearing completion. “This is one of the largest recruitment drives in the history of Meghalaya,” he said, adding that it will address manpower shortages and improve policing efficiency across the state.
Emphasizing Jengjal’s growing importance, the Chief Minister announced that the state government will sanction ₹50 crore within this month to the Airport Authority of India (AAI) for work on the Jengjal Airport. “Once completed, 19-seater aircraft under Air Alliance will operate from Jengjal, prioritizing Shillong–Tura flights,” he stated.
He also revealed that the government is identifying land in Jengjal for hosting mega events in the future.
Acknowledging the critical role of the police in maintaining peace and order, the Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to modernize policing through technology. He said the department is working towards enhancing cybercrime management, surveillance, and digital law enforcement systems, bringing Meghalaya “at par with many other states.”
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister reminded officers of their dual duty to uphold the law and serve citizens with compassion. “While firmness is necessary, never forget the human touch — care, empathy, and sensitivity. We are here to serve the people,” he emphasized.
In her remarks, DGP Idashisha Nongrang, IPS, reflected on her past posting in Jengjal and termed the new building a milestone for Meghalaya Police.
“This police station addresses not just today’s needs but anticipates future challenges,” she said.
The modern facility includes a general office, lock-up, officer-in-charge’s room, child-friendly space, women’s help desk, and community meeting areas, enhancing police-public engagement. She reaffirmed the department’s pledge to maintain peace and security across Meghalaya.
James K. Sangma, Chairman, MIDC, called the new police station “a long-awaited demand of the people” and a key step in strengthening law and order in the region. He thanked the Chief Minister for his sustained support and praised the DGP’s leadership in ensuring safety and stability. “Peace is the foundation for development. Modern policing needs modern infrastructure, and this building embodies that vision,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal, IAS, described the new station as “a pivotal milestone for law and order, traffic management, and overall regional growth.”
He highlighted Jengjal’s strategic location connecting West, North, and East Garo Hills and expressed optimism about future infrastructure expansion in the area.
DIG J.F.K. Marak, IPS, noted that the project was born out of “collective commitment and coordination,” fulfilling a long-standing need for a proper police station.
He recalled that since its notification in 2017, Jengjal Police Station had been operating from a rented Assam-type building. “The completion of this modern facility marks a major step forward in strengthening public service delivery,” he said.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by SP Abraham T. Sangma, IPS, followed by performances from students of St. Anthony’s School, Jengjal, and the Rhythm School of Music, adding a celebratory note to the occasion.
