Shillong, Mar 14: The Village Defence Party (VDP) of Nongsohphoh, Mawprem, was officially inaugurated to work towards enhancing community engagement in local safety and security in the locality.
The formal inauguration included an oath-taking ceremony accompanied by an awareness program organized by the office of the Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills District, in collaboration with the Dorbar Shnong Nongsohphoh.
The initiative to establish the VDP was spearheaded by West Shillong and adviser to the government Paul Lyngdoh to strengthen public participation in maintaining peace and security.
During the event, the VDP members pledged their commitment to work in close coordination with law enforcement to protect their community.
Lyngdoh, in his speech, recognised the shared responsibility of ensuring community safety, urging other dorbar shnongs to collaborate in establishing similar initiative, noting that active community participation plays a vital role in strengthening neighbourhood safety and addressing social challenges.
Rangbah Shnong Hardy Ryntathiang emphasised the importance of the VDP in addressing social issues affecting the community and strengthening vigilance at the grassroots level. He also expressed gratitude to Lyngdoh, the authorities and officers for their constant efforts and support in bringing the initiative to fruition.
The programme concluded with the distribution of identity cards and equipment to the VDP members, formally equipping them to carry out their duties and reinforcing the spirit of cooperation between the police and the community.
The ceremony was attended by DIG, Eastern Range Vivekanand Singh Rathore, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, DREAM Mission Director Francis Kharshiing, officers and members from the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), rangbah shnongs from 10 localities, and others.
