Assam to Establish New Battalions for Disaster Response and Oil Security

New Initiatives for Assam Police

Guwahati, Sept 3: Assam is set to form two specialized battalions, one focused on disaster response and the other aimed at securing the state's oil and gas facilities, as announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday after a two-day meeting of senior police officials in Dergaon.

These initiatives are part of a broader strategy discussed during the conference to enhance the capabilities of the Assam Police in addressing crime, disasters, and evolving security threats.

During the press briefing, Sarma revealed that the government plans to create a new State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) battalion along with another unit dedicated to the security of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India Limited (OIL) sites.

“To bolster the Assam Police, we are establishing a new SDRF battalion and an additional battalion for ONGC and OIL security,” the Chief Minister stated.

The conference also focused on intensifying efforts against drug trafficking, discussing new trafficking routes, changing methods, and strategies to identify key players in the trade.

Sarma emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration with neighboring states like Manipur, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh to combat drug-related issues and mentioned exploring preventive detention measures against major traffickers.

Additionally, he announced the formation of an Anti-Narcotics Task Force within a month, as directed by the Centre. This unit will address various issues, including property seizures, improving forensic investigations, disrupting traffickers' financial networks, and preventing procedural errors that could favor the accused.

The Chief Minister also indicated that the government would review rehabilitation centers following reports of drug availability in some facilities.

The two-day conference, which included discussions among senior superintendents of police and other high-ranking officials, also aimed at enhancing law and order and improving investigations to increase the state's conviction rate.

Sarma set a goal to raise the conviction rate from the current 29.30% to 35%. “In 2020, the conviction rate in Assam was approximately 7%. We aim to improve this significantly,” he remarked.

Plans to expand the strength and infrastructure of the Assam Police were also discussed. Over the past five years, around 5,000 personnel have been recruited, with intentions to hire an additional 15,000 to 20,000 in the next five years.

“We are working to eliminate obstacles in this process,” he added.

Improving police infrastructure was another key topic, including plans to upgrade the Lachit Borphukan Police Academy into a national-level institution. Proposed enhancements include upgrades to the shooting range, horse-riding, sports facilities, and staff housing.

Sarma highlighted the housing shortage for police personnel, noting that while Assam Police has about 90,000 members, there is accommodation for only around 10,000. “We need to increase that to approximately 30,000,” he stated.

This conference marked the first meeting of senior police officials under the new government. Sarma concluded by stating that the decisions made during these two days would be implemented over the next six months, ahead of the next conference scheduled for February in Bongaigaon.