President Droupadi Murmu today said the police must become more citizen-friendly and work as a supportive force for society while addressing the ceremonial presentation of the President’s Police Colour to Sikkim Police at Palzor Stadium in Gangtok. Presenting the prestigious President’s Colour to the Sikkim Police, the President said the honour recognised the force’s outstanding service and dedication over the years. She congratulated all former and serving officers and personnel associated with the police force for the achievement.“Today, I am extremely pleased to present the President’s Colour to the Sikkim Police for its outstanding service. This honour is a matter of pride for all members of the Sikkim Police,” President Murmu said during the ceremony.The President said Sikkim Police, which was established in 1897 to secure the India-Tibet trade route, had continued to play an important role in maintaining peace and security in the Himalayan state. She noted that over the years the force had earned the trust and respect of the people through its conduct and professional service.
She said the responsibilities of the police were not limited to maintaining law and order alone, adding that the force had also actively helped people during natural disasters and difficult situations in the state. President Murmu also highlighted the contribution of Sikkim Police personnel in international peacekeeping missions and said several officers had been awarded United Nations Peacekeeping Medals for their service.Speaking on reforms in policing, the President said the Indian policing system had remained influenced by the colonial mindset for a long time, where the focus was more on control and governance instead of public service.“Under this mindset, instead of helping the public, the focus was more on ruling over them. It is very important to completely free ourselves from this thinking in order to empower the citizens of the country,” she said.President Murmu stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in policing and said every citizen should be able to register complaints and grievances without difficulty. She said the police should ensure that people feel safe and confident while approaching police stations and officials.The President also asked police personnel to show sensitivity towards women, children and weaker sections of society. She said building trust between the police and the public was essential for creating a secure and peaceful society.
“The police must become a friend and guide to citizens. By adopting the role of a supportive force, trust between the public and the police will grow,” she said.According to the President, policing was not only about catching criminals but also about building an aware and responsible society. She praised Sikkim Police for maintaining a positive relationship with the people and said the force had set a good example through its public-friendly approach.Highlighting Sikkim’s strategic importance, President Murmu said the state shares an international border and receives a large number of tourists from across India and abroad, making the role of the police even more significant.She said Sikkim Police must work closely with national security agencies while also preparing itself to tackle modern crimes such as cybercrime, online fraud, hacking and deepfake-related offences.“To deal with these challenges, the police must strengthen their capabilities in the latest technology, cybersecurity and digital investigation,” she said.The President further stressed the need for better coordination between police forces and investigative agencies across states, stating that cyber and digital crimes were not confined by geographical boundaries.
She also called for greater public awareness to help prevent such crimes and said people must be educated about online safety and digital security. Calling the President’s Colour a matter of great honour for the force, President Murmu expressed confidence that Sikkim Police would continue to serve the nation with dedication and uphold the dignity associated with the recognition.“I firmly believe that the Sikkim Police will continue to perform its duties with a spirit of service to the nation,” she added.