SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, today, chaired a stakeholders’ meeting at the Meghalaya Secretariat to deliberate on the increasing cases of crimes against women and children in the state. The meeting brought together representatives from faith-based organizations, NGOs, and community leaders to discuss strategies for enhancing public safety and preventive measures.
Addressing media after the meeting, Sangma said that although overall crime figures have declined, the recent surge in cases involving women and children remains a serious concern.
“The frequency with which such incidents have occurred in recent weeks and months is worrying. We want to ensure that concrete steps are taken, and that society, local leaders, organizations, and the government work together to address the issue,” he stated.
The Chief Minister informed that several constructive suggestions emerged from the discussion, including the establishment of additional counselling centres and the appointment of professional counsellors to assist children and young people. The government, he assured, has taken note of these recommendations and will act on them.
Sangma further said that the government plans to launch extensive awareness and publicity campaigns to promote responsible behaviour and social consciousness among the youth.
He also mentioned that improving street lighting in partnership with local bodies is being considered to strengthen public safety, especially during night hours.
Expressing concern over the rapid spread of misinformation on social media, Sangma urged citizens to refrain from reacting to unverified posts or videos. “Unconfirmed news often spreads quickly and can trigger unrest or mob reactions. I appeal to everyone to verify information before responding and to trust local authorities and the police to handle such matters responsibly,” he said.
Emphasizing the role of communities in ensuring safety, the Chief Minister said, “We must actively participate in awareness programs and guide our children to understand right from wrong. Parents, elders, and counsellors have a vital role in this collective effort.”
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He also appealed to media professionals and social media content creators to act responsibly. “In the pursuit of views and sensationalism, some share unverified information that can lead to law-and-order issues. I urge everyone to confirm facts before posting or broadcasting,” he added.
Outlining the government’s CCTV surveillance initiative, Sangma said the project will be implemented in two phases. “In the first phase, local command centres will be set up at the locality level under the supervision of headmen and Dorbars. In the second phase, these will be linked with the state’s central command and control system,” he explained.
Under the Shillong Municipal Board, 47 localities have been identified for CCTV installation, with each locality having three to five camera points. “Work has already been completed in seven localities, and the remaining areas are expected to be ready by November or December,” Sangma said.
The project will gradually expand to Tura, Jowai, and other district headquarters and sub-divisions. Schools may also be included in future phases following further consultations.
“Our objective is to create a strong sense of safety and security for every citizen,” the Chief Minister said, reiterating the government’s commitment to work closely with communities and institutions to protect women and children across Meghalaya.
