By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 16: In a bid to tackle the growing spate of crimes against women and children in Shillong, the state government is installing CCTV cameras to enhance surveillance in 47 localities. These will be connected to the Integrated Command and Control Centre constructed as part of the Shillong Smart City project.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced the decision on Thursday after a marathon meeting with representatives of NGOs, faith-based organisations, and Dorbar Shnongs for suggestions to improve the safety and security of women and children.
During the meeting, the stakeholders urged the government to engage more counsellors and set up counselling centres to support youngsters who are in need of it. The government agreed to act on the suggestion.
There were also suggestions to conduct large-scale public awareness campaigns on issues related to the youth.
Sangma said that though there has been a decline in the number of crimes against women and children lately, the recent spate of incidents has been disconcerting.
He also said that the state government has sanctioned a project to install CCTV cameras in 47 locations in Shillong. The installation has been completed in seven localities, and the remaining 40 localities will be covered within two months.
The installation of CCTV cameras will be followed by the establishment of sub-command centres in each locality. The Rangbah Shnong and Dorbar will have access to these sub-centres, which will be linked to the Integrated Command and Control Centre in the second phase.
In the meeting, the stakeholders also asked the state government to improve street lighting across the city.
The Chief Minister asked the public to verify any news they come across on YouTube and WhatsApp, as fake news often gets viral, leading to reactions from the public.
“There are apprehensions that such reactions can lead to a law-and-order situation,” he said.
Stressing the need for the local institutions and the government to work together on the matter, he said that the community needs to be more involved in awareness programmes on social issues and even children need to be made aware by their parents on what is a right touch and what is not.
