From Our Special Correspondent
GUWAHATI: Tourists to Arunachal Pradesh now have a reason to feel at home and safe during their sojourn in the frontier state of the Northeast.
Tourist Police, a squad trained specially for the purpose of protecting tourists to the hill state, is now on the job across seven districts to make the pristine hotspots not just worthwhile for the visitors but a friendly destination.
Arunachal Pradesh chief minister, Pema Khandu announced the launch of squad in Itanagar on Friday in the presence of key government functionaries including the director general of police, SBK Singh.
“Tourist Police units have been launched in seven district headquarters – Tawang, Itanagar, Roing, Ziro, Pasighat, Namsai and Pangsau Pass. This initiative to make the state a tourist-friendly state by the Arunachal Pradesh police is laudable,” Khandu said.
What’s more, a mobile app –Arunachal Suraksha – a brainchild of the state DGP, was also launched on the occasion. A tourist needs to download the app on his mobile phone and get information about and make calls to the nearest police station during an emergency.
“Safety is a key aspect for any tourist visiting a destination. The launch of Tourist Police in the state is one of the initiatives that Arunachal Pradesh Police has taken to address the perception and concern of tourists regarding safety. National Informatics Centre (NIC), did a fantastic job by launching the Arunachal Police Mobile App, which is a one-stop solution to all your tourists’ requirements,” the DGP said. Each of the districts has been provided with vehicles fitted with wireless communication equipment and manned by specially trained personnel to respond to the needs of any tourist in distress.
The Tourist Police, equipped with distinctive vehicles, uniform and specialised training in soft skills, languages, rules and regulations, and most importantly, people friendly attitude, aims to dispel inhibitions a tourist may have while approaching them.
“Tourist Police personnel will be specially trained about crime against women and how to professionally respond to various situations concerning tourists. They will be also educated about the local tourist attractions and modes of transportation, accommodation and hospitals,” he said.
National car rally
Khandu also flagged off the third round of MRF FMSCI (the Federation of the Motorsports Clubs of India) Indian National Rally Championships (INRC) in Itanagar on Friday afternoon.
Christened as the ‘Rally of Arunachal’, the prestigious event in the Indian Motorsport of Rallying is being organised by The Motorsports Club of Arunachal (MSCA) – affiliated to the FMSCI and supported by Arunachal Pradesh Police.
The first day of the rally on Saturday witnessed the flag off of the Special Stages (SS) – a run in a controlled environment on the National Highway –from the Service Park. There will be four runs from Chimpu to Hollongi and back to Chimpu. This will be followed by three more runs from Chipmu to Hollongi and back to Chimpu on Sunday when the podium ceremony will take.
Major automotive companies of the country are taking part in the rally which is also expected to boost adventure tourism in the state.
“We are working with dedication to make Arunachal Pradesh one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Our Himalayan mountain ranges stretching across the entire state offer one-of-its-kind experiential road trip options,” the chief minister said.
“Our government is committed to promote tourism in the state including adventure tourism as we understand the role that the sector plays in generating employment and attracting investment,” he added.