Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has announced the government’s plan to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) regulating the use of sirens, tinted glasses, and flickering lights in the state. The SOP aims to address public grievances and curb the misuse of these devices while balancing safety and security concerns.
Addressing the issue, the Chief Minister said, “I have been receiving a large number of complaints and concerns from citizens about what people are calling VIP culture. It is, of course, a matter of concern. But we also have to look at it from multiple angles. There is a concern for security and safety, which should not be mixed with the aspect of culture. Safety and security are one aspect, which is something we personally feel is important and should not be compromised. But if that safety and security concern becomes more of an attitude, and it is used in the wrong way, then I think that really is the problem.”
Sangma explained that a meeting was recently held with Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong, the Chief Secretary, the Director-General of Police (DGP), and other officials to address this issue. During the meeting, the police department was tasked with drafting an SOP outlining who is authorized to use sirens, tinted glasses, and flickering lights, as well as how and where these can be utilized.
“We will create a strict SOP specifying who can and cannot use these devices and the protocols for their use. This SOP will be brought before the Cabinet by next week,” Sangma stated.
The Chief Minister emphasized that while safety and security protocols for individuals in categories such as Z+, Z, and Y must remain uncompromised, these measures should not cause undue inconvenience to the public.
“Those aspects need to be balanced. As I had mentioned, keeping the safety and security matter in front of us, we will work towards ensuring that this safety and security is not abused in a manner in which it becomes a nuisance to the public. The balancing of these two is what is required,” the CM said.
“We hope that through this SOP, which will come out very soon, and which we will be passing in the Cabinet, we should be able to minimise the inconvenience caused to the public,” he added.
Sangma expressed confidence that the new SOP would effectively address public concerns.