By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 13: Adviser to the Social Welfare department, Paul Lyngdoh, on Friday launched a Village Defence Party (VDP) at Nongsohphoh, Mawprem, citing it as an example of collective responsibility and courage in ensuring public safety.
Addressing the gathering, Lyngdoh stated that maintaining peace and security is a shared duty of every citizen rather than the sole responsibility of the police. He urged other Dorbar Shnongs to collaborate with law enforcement to set up similar initiatives to strengthen neighbourhood security and address social challenges.
The VDP was inaugurated following an oath-taking ceremony and awareness programme organised by the office of the Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, in collaboration with the Dorbar Shnong Nongsohphoh. Lyngdoh spearheaded the initiative to encourage greater public participation in local governance and safety.
Nongsohphoh Rangbah Shnong Hardy Ryntathiang highlighted the VDP’s role in addressing social issues and improving grassroots vigilance. RD Rapthap also spoke on the specific roles and responsibilities of VDP members, underlining the need for cooperation between citizens and the police. The event concluded with the distribution of identity cards and equipment to the new VDP members.
Dignitaries in attendance included DIG (Eastern Range) Vivekanand Singh Rathore, Mission Director of DREAM Francis Kharshiing, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, Assistant Commissioner Dahunshisha Lyngdoh, and Rangbah Shnongs from ten neighbouring localities.
