Arunachal Pradesh CM Advocates for Conviction-Driven Justice System

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has called for a significant shift in the state's criminal justice approach, advocating for a focus on convictions rather than just arrests. With a concerning conviction rate of around 30%, Khandu emphasized the need for collaboration between law enforcement and judicial departments to address systemic issues. He also highlighted the importance of enhancing forensic capabilities, improving border security, and leveraging technology in policing. Khandu's remarks come amid ongoing challenges related to illegal immigration and insurgent activities, underscoring the need for proactive measures and community engagement in governance.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 2, 2026, 15:42 IST

Call for Reform in Policing and Justice

On March 2, during a conference for Superintendents of Police and Commandants at the DK Convention Centre, Arunachal Pradesh's Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasized the need to transition from a focus on arrests to a system that prioritizes convictions. He expressed concern over the state's conviction rate, which stands at approximately 30%.

Khandu stated, “Merely making arrests is insufficient. We need to collaborate with the judiciary and law enforcement to identify the reasons behind our low conviction rates and work on addressing these issues.”

He encouraged a collective effort among police and judicial departments to identify and rectify systemic weaknesses, thereby enhancing prosecution effectiveness.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the necessity of increasing personnel at the State Forensic Science Laboratory and improving forensic capabilities to elevate investigation standards.

Regarding border security, Khandu pointed out that Arunachal Pradesh shares borders with Bhutan, Myanmar, and Tibet, stressing the importance of vigilance and accurate official communication.

He particularly noted the need for closer monitoring along the Myanmar border in districts like Tirap, Changlang, and Longding, where issues such as extortion and drug trafficking, often linked to cross-border insurgent activities, remain prevalent.

Khandu remarked, “We do not face a local insurgency. We must take responsibility for the challenges we encounter and work towards solutions independently, rather than relying solely on the central government.”

He praised the Arunachal Pradesh Police for thwarting attempts to revive insurgency under the United Tani Army banner and called for bolstering the Special Task Force, enhancing training, and improving coordination with central armed forces like the Assam Rifles.

On the topic of illegal immigration, Khandu announced that the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, governed by the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873, is set to undergo a technological upgrade, transitioning to a digital format statewide.

He emphasized the importance of proactive measures to combat illegal immigration, asserting that digitization would improve monitoring and transparency.

Khandu also underscored the significance of technology in law enforcement, advocating for enhanced internal security, cyber capabilities, and digital forensics, stating, “Technology is the future of policing.”

He urged the activation of official social media channels for the Police Department to foster transparency and engage with the public effectively, suggesting the establishment of a dedicated social media team under the Director General of Police.

Acknowledging Arunachal Pradesh's tribal diversity, Khandu advised officers to be sensitive to local issues and maintain structured dialogues with stakeholders to promote inclusive governance.