While welcoming the Nagaland government’s decision to establish a separate Directorate of Forensic Sciences, the Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Council (AKMWC) has called for the reforms to be implemented within a definite timeframe, stressing that scientific policing requires adequate infrastructure, skilled manpower and institutional support.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the association described the government’s decision as a significant milestone in modernising criminal investigation and strengthening the criminal justice system under the new criminal laws.
AKMWC said the establishment of an independent Directorate of Forensic Sciences, induction of mobile forensic vans, recruitment of specialised personnel and strengthening of the State Forensic Science Laboratory reflected the government’s recognition that scientific evidence, rather than suspicion or confessions, should form the foundation of criminal investigations.
The association noted that it had, over the past several months, repeatedly highlighted concerns over delayed forensic response to major crime scenes in Kohima, which it said resulted in valuable evidence being lost or compromised, adversely affecting investigations and prosecutions.
While appreciating the reforms, AKMWC urged the government to ensure their timely implementation. It recommended the early operationalisation of the Directorate of Forensic Sciences with adequate financial, technical and administrative autonomy, along with the expedited recruitment of forensic scientists, forensic officers, cyber forensic experts and other specialised technical personnel.
The association also called for the State Forensic Science Laboratory to be strengthened with specialised divisions for DNA analysis, cyber forensics, ballistics, toxicology, biology, chemistry, fingerprint examination, questioned documents and digital evidence. It further proposed the phased deployment of mobile forensic vans in every district and continuous specialised training for investigating officers to improve the collection, preservation and presentation of scientific evidence in courts.
AKMWC also appealed to the government to prioritise the recruitment of qualified Naga youths who have acquired degrees, diplomas and specialised training in forensic science, saying the development of indigenous expertise was essential for the long-term sustainability of the state’s forensic system and would reduce dependence on external agencies.
In cases where eligible local candidates are unable to meet age or other technical eligibility criteria, the association suggested that the government consider granting a one-time age relaxation, in accordance with existing laws and policies, to enable trained professionals to serve the state.
Expressing confidence in the government’s commitment to the reforms, AKMWC said timely implementation, adequate budgetary support, recruitment of skilled manpower and continuous capacity building would be key to establishing a modern, efficient and scientifically driven criminal justice system in Nagaland.
