SHILLONG, JAN 20: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday inaugurated the Counter-Insurgency–Anti-Terrorism (CIAT) School and the Integrated Police Welfare Complex at Baghmara in South Garo Hills district, marking a major boost to police training and welfare infrastructure in Meghalaya.
The inauguration programme was attended by Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Home Prestone Tynsong, Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, Director General of Police I. Nongrang, Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, along with senior civil and police officials.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister congratulated the Home and Police Departments on the successful completion of the two major projects and commended the vision behind their execution. He specially acknowledged the efforts of Davis N. R. Marak, the then Superintendent of Police and now Inspector General of Police, for conceptualising and pursuing the project.
“I would like to commend him for his vision, determination and commitment to move forward with such a significant project despite the challenges,” the Chief Minister said.
He also expressed gratitude to the then Home Minister, now Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, and his team for sanctioning additional funds to ensure the completion of the complex.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the location, Sangma said the CIAT School provides an ideal environment for advanced training due to its dense forest cover, challenging tropical climate and difficult terrain, making it suitable for training police personnel not only from Meghalaya but also from across the country and abroad.
“The facility must be used effectively and continuously upgraded to meet the evolving challenges of modern policing, technology and counter-terrorism, especially given our proximity to international borders,” he added.
Emphasising the role of law enforcement, the Chief Minister said maintaining law and order remains a top priority for the government, and strengthening the police force is essential for ensuring safety and stability in the state.
The Integrated Police Welfare Complex comprises six major components — a Police Hospital/Dispensary, Officers’ Mess, JCO Mess, Police Welfare Training Centre, Sports Complex and Recreational Centre — along with an approach road and an overhead water tank. Executed between February 2022 and January 2026, the project reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing police morale, efficiency and welfare.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong welcomed the inauguration, stating that Baghmara will now receive development attention on par with other districts. He said the complex will inspire police personnel while also benefiting the local population and assured that remaining facilities, including the dispensary and sports complex, will be completed in the coming years.
Director General of Police I. Nongrang informed the gathering about the demise of former Meghalaya DGP Late W. R. Marbaniang, following which a minute of silence was observed. She described the CIAT School as a centre of excellence where training will be imparted by officers with real field experience.
Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed said sustainable development is possible only when law and order is stable, adding that good governance thrives when citizens and investors feel secure. He also highlighted innovations such as the Police Infrastructure Fund and the in-house technical wing at Police Headquarters for strengthening police infrastructure across the state.
Other speakers included D. N. R. Marak, IG of Police (L&O), who delivered the welcome address; S. Bamaniya, SP, South Garo Hills, who presented the project report; and J. F. K. Marak, DIG (WR), Tura, who delivered the vote of thanks.
The programme concluded with a cultural performance by students of Captain Williamson Memorial Government College, Baghmara.