The recent efforts by Mokokchung Police to regulate and streamline traffic in the district deserve genuine appreciation. The handover of new traffic management equipment to the traffic police unit of Mokokchung is a commendable step forward in the town’s pursuit of safer, more organized roads, despite its chokingly narrow streets.
The newly procured tools should be seen as more than just instruments of traffic regulation. They represent an investment in public safety, discipline, and the long-term vision of an urban environment that values order as much as development. With Mokokchung slowly adopting the features of a major township, marked by growing vehicular density and diverse communities, such infrastructure is essential to manage the growing traffic demands brought by its growing population.
However, as history has shown, infrastructure is only as strong as the community’s willingness to protect it. As infrastructure evolves, so must its protection. Previous incidents of theft and vandalism targeting traffic equipment must not be overlooked. These acts, often dismissed as petty mischief, have serious consequences that undermine public safety and negate the impact of institutional effort. These criminal acts not only waste public resources but also endanger lives. To effectively curb this, law enforcement must go beyond appeals and adopt a firmer stance. Cases involving public infrastructure sabotage should be swiftly investigated, and the perpetrators, once apprehended, must be publicly identified and penalized in accordance with the law. Publicizing such actions can serve as an effective deterrent, sending a clear message that Mokokchung will not tolerate the destruction of shared assets.
At the same time, care must be taken to ensure that law enforcement do not spark tension in a cosmopolitan township like Mokokchung. Home to many ethnic communities, any perception of bias or heavy-handed policing could fracture social cohesion. Communal harmony should never be compromised in the pursuit of justice. Preventive efforts should therefore include community outreach and awareness campaigns to build a shared sense of ownership over public assets. Dialogue and collaboration with local organizations, youth groups, and ward councils can help reinforce a culture of respect for public property without stoking division or suspicion. The path to safer roads is not paved by police alone; it is built collectively.
Further, Mokokchung should also consider integrating IT-enabled systems such as CCTV surveillance, adaptive signal control, and vehicle monitoring tools to modernize its traffic management. Technology not only aids efficiency but also enhances accountability.