A high-level symposium on surveillance implementation was successfully held in Dimapur, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders to deliberate on a structured, city-wide surveillance system under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Jointly organized by the Business Association of Nagas (BAN), the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, and the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, the symposium saw active participation from top government officials, police, civil society members, legal experts, business leaders, and the media.
In his welcome address, BAN President L Mongkum Jamir emphasized that surveillance today is not merely a tool for crime control, but a “core enabler of urban governance.” Highlighting its growing role in traffic management, utility efficiency, smart city operations, and public safety, he cited successful models from cities like Indore, Hyderabad, and Surat, which have seen improvements in law enforcement, tourism, and investment confidence. He stressed that Dimapur, as the commercial and social hub of Nagaland, must lead by example in adopting a surveillance system through the PPP model.
“Shared investment, technology agility, risk mitigation, and local job creation are among the many advantages of the PPP approach,” Jamir said, calling for concrete resolutions to emerge from the symposium.
Director General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma echoed this sentiment, urging for the integration of existing isolated surveillance systems into a unified city-wide network. He advocated for community participation and funding, stating, “Businesses supporting this project are securing their own interests.” Sharma further informed that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has extended full support to the initiative, with ongoing discussions involving financial institutions and public sector undertakings.
“We aim to make Nagaland a national example in proactive surveillance infrastructure,” the DGP asserted, calling on all stakeholders to act in a time-bound manner for planning and execution.
Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur emphasized the urgency of enhancing public order through real-time monitoring, while the Commissioner of Police outlined how surveillance could strengthen existing crime prevention efforts.
Representing the Dimapur Bar Association, a legal expert highlighted the importance of embedding legal and privacy safeguards into the system. Akum Jamir, Convenor of BAN’s Grievance Cell, raised concerns about business security and underlined the commercial and community benefits of surveillance.
Representatives from the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and East Dimapur Business Association (EDBA) expressed full support, terming the initiative a much-needed step toward infrastructural progress and citizen safety.
The symposium concluded with the adoption of five key resolutions:
Adopt a City Surveillance Implementation Project covering high-priority zones including commercial areas, traffic intersections, transport hubs, and vulnerable zones.
Implement the project under a PPP model, utilizing private investment and technology within a public regulatory framework.
Constitute a Multi-Stakeholder Task Force with representatives from the Home and Police Departments, Urban Development and Power Departments, DC’s office, Municipal authorities, industry bodies, and civil society to oversee technical, financial, and governance planning.
Ensure legal and ethical safeguards in all surveillance systems, including data privacy, restricted access, encryption, and regular audits.
Submit the resolutions to the Government of Nagaland, urging immediate action and formal notification of the project under PPP mode.
The panel discussion was moderated by Thangi Manen, Advisor to BAN. The symposium ended with a formal adoption of the resolutions led by BAN Vice President Ben Kithan, followed by a vote of thanks from BAN Executive Council Member Alobo Naga.