Baghmara, January 20 : Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated the Counter-Insurgency and Anti-Terrorism (CIAT) School and the Integrated Police Welfare Complex at Baghmara, South Garo Hills, reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to strengthening Meghalaya’s police infrastructure and training capabilities.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, Director General of Police I. Nongrang, Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, senior civil and police officials, and other dignitaries.
In his address, Chief Minister Sangma congratulated the Home and Police Departments for completing the dual projects and commended Inspector General of Police Davis N. R. Marak, who had initiated the idea as then Superintendent of Police. “I would like to commend him for his vision and determination in executing such a significant project despite challenges,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to the then Home Minister, now Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, for sanctioning additional funds that ensured timely completion of the project.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the CIAT School, the Chief Minister said that Baghmara’s terrain provides an ideal environment for advanced police training. “The counter-insurgency and anti-terrorism school benefits from dense forest conditions, challenging tropical weather, and difficult terrain, making it an ideal location for high-level operational training,” he stated.
The Chief Minister stressed the need for continuous innovation in police training, especially with evolving threats. “Law enforcement must adapt to modern challenges through constant upgradation of facilities and technology-based learning,” he said, urging the police department to make the facility a national and international hub for training.
The Integrated Police Welfare Complex, executed between February 2022 and January 2026, includes a Police Hospital, Officers’ Mess, JCO Mess, Police Welfare Training Centre, Sports Complex, and Recreational Centre, along with an approach road and overhead water tank. The project aims to boost morale, welfare, and efficiency within the police force.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong praised the initiative, saying, “Baghmara will now receive the same attention and development as other districts.” He emphasised that the facility would inspire police personnel and benefit the local population.
Director General of Police I. Nongrang described the inauguration as a continuation of visionary policing, noting that the school will serve as a centre of excellence, where “training will not be theoretical but delivered by officers with real field experience.”
Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed congratulated all those involved, saying, “Development in a state is possible only when law and order is stable. Peace and security are the bedrock of good governance and investment.” He also commended initiatives such as the Police Infrastructure Fund and in-house technical innovations that have improved law enforcement efficiency statewide.
The programme concluded with a cultural performance by students of Captain Williamson Memorial Government College, Baghmara, celebrating a landmark day for Meghalaya’s police and people alike.
