Chief Minister Conrad Sangma today announced formulation of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate sirens, tinted glasses and flickering lights in the State.
The government is facing severe criticism after a VIP escort accompanying tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh reportedly killed a civilian, Huddersfield Rymbui en route to the Cherry Blossom Festival on November 15.
The chief minister admitted that he has received a “large number of complaints” on “VIP culture” and the manner VIP moves with their escorts and said a standard operating protocol would be formulated soon.
He said that the SOP will be brought before the Cabinet by next week. “We will be creating a strict SOP regarding who can and who cannot use the sirens, tinted glasses, or flickering lights; where they can be used and how they should be used,” he said in a video statement today.
Sangma also said that VIP movement should also be looked at 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,” he added.
Stating that there are protocols that need to be followed for those who come under the different categories of security like Z plus, Z, and Y which cannot be compromised, the chief minister said, “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.”
He informed that the police department has been asked to prepare the SOP that will be strictly implemented.
“We hope that through this SOP, we should be able to minimise the inconvenience caused to the public,” the chief minister added.
