BAGHMARA: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday inaugurated the Counter-Insurgency–Anti-Terrorism (CIAT) School and the Integrated Police Welfare Complex at Baghmara in South Garo Hills district.
The inaugural programme was attended by Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home, Prestone Tynsong; Minister of Education Lahkmen Rymbui; Director General of Police I. Nongrang; Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed; senior civil and police officials; and other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister acknowledged the vision behind the project and commended the then Superintendent of Police and present Inspector General of Police, Davis N. R. Marak, for his leadership.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the facility, the Chief Minister noted that its location provides an ideal environment for training not only Meghalaya Police personnel but also police forces from across India and abroad.
“The CIAT School benefits from dense forest conditions, challenging tropical weather, and difficult terrain, making it an ideal location for advanced counter-insurgency and anti-terrorism training,” he said.
Emphasising the need for continuous innovation, the Chief Minister urged officials to ensure that the facility is optimally utilised and regularly upgraded to meet the evolving demands of modern policing, technology, and counter-terrorism strategies. “Innovation and continuous development in training will be critical, particularly given our proximity to international and inter-state borders,” he added.
On the broader role of law enforcement, he remarked that maintaining law and order remains one of the top priorities of the government. “Every step taken to strengthen the police force contributes to ensuring safety, stability, and public confidence in governance,” he said.
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 improving morale, efficiency, training standards, and the overall welfare of police personnel.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong expressed satisfaction over the inauguration, stating that Baghmara will now receive development and attention on par with other districts. He noted that the complex would benefit both police personnel and the local population, adding that it would inspire officers while strengthening service delivery in the district. He assured that remaining facilities, including the dispensary and sports complex, would be completed in the coming years.
Director General of Police I. Nongrang informed the gathering about the passing of former Director General of Police of Meghalaya, Late W. R. Marbaniang, following which the gathering observed a minute of silence in his honour.
She described the inauguration as a moment of continuity and vision in policing, recalling the foresight of officers who had conceptualised the project decades earlier. Emphasising the importance of practical training, she said the CIAT School is envisioned as a centre of excellence where “training will not be theoretical but delivered by officers with real field experience.”
The programme also featured a cultural performance by students of Captain Williamson Memorial Government College, Baghmara.
