CM inaugurates Counter-Insurgency Anti-Terrorism School, Integrated Police Welfare Complex in Baghmara
From Our Correspondent
TURA, Jan 20: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday emphasised the importance of continuous innovation and development in police training as he inaugurated the Counter-Insurgency Anti-Terrorism (CIAT) School and the Integrated Police Welfare Complex at Baghmara in South Garo Hills.
The inaugural programme 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.
Congratulating the Home and Police departments on the completion of the Integrated Police Welfare Complex and the CIAT School, the chief minister acknowledged the vision behind the project and commended the then Superintendent of Police and Inspector General of Police, Davis NR Marak.
He also expressed gratitude to the then Home Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui, and his team for sanctioning additional funds to complete the project.
Highlighting the evolving challenges in law enforcement and counter-terrorism, especially in border areas, Conrad stressed the need for constant upgrade of training facilities.
“I encourage officials to ensure that this facility is used effectively and continuously upgraded to meet the changing demands of modern policing, technology and counter-terrorism strategies, especially given our proximity to the state border. Innovation and continuous development in training will be critical,” he added.
The newly inaugurated complex comprises six components—Police Hospital/Dispensary, Officers’ Mess, JCO Mess, Police Welfare Training Centre, Sports Complex, and Recreational Centre—along with an approach road and an overhead water tank.
On the other hand, Tynsong expressed his delight at the inauguration and noted that “Baghmara would now receive the same attention and development as other districts.”
He said the complex would significantly benefit police personnel as well as the local population, adding that it “would inspire and support officers while serving the people of the state, particularly in this district.”
The deputy chief minister assured that the remaining facilities, including the dispensary and sports complex, would be completed in the coming years.
Meanwhile, the DGP informed the gathering about the passing of former Director General of Police of Meghalaya, (L) WR Marbaniang, and led the gathering in observing a minute’s silence in his honour.
She described the inauguration as a moment of continuity and vision in policing, highlighting the foresight of officers who had initiated the project decades ago.
She also said that the CIAT School is envisioned as a centre of excellence, stating that “the training imparted here will not be theoretical—it will be delivered by officers who have faced real field situations.”
The Chief Secretary congratulated all those involved in the project and underscored the link between security and development.
“Development in a state is possible only when law and order is stable. Good governance can thrive only when citizens feel secure, investors feel safe, and there is peace in society,” Ahammed said.
He also praised initiatives such as the in-house technical wing at Police Headquarters and the Police Infrastructure Fund, which he said “has been instrumental in significantly improving police infrastructure across the state.”
Others who spoke on the occasion included Inspector General of Police (L&O), Meghalaya, DNR Marak, who delivered the welcome address; Superintendent of Police, South Garo Hills, S. Bamaniya, who presented the project report; and Deputy Inspector General of Police (WR), Meghalaya, Tura, JFK Marak, who delivered the vote of thanks.
