Meghalalya govt seek NHRC’s intervention for creation of NCB sub zonal office in Shillong

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 8, 2025

The state government has sought the intervention of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for creation of a sub-zonal office of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Shillong and extending the period of preventive detention under the PITNDPS Act up to three years.

The proposal was made during a meeting chaired by the deputy chief minister in-charge home (police) Prestone Tynsong in presence of the NHRC special monitor Rakesh Anthana, a former DG BSF and also head of NCB, who has visited Shillong on a three-day visit to Meghalaya to take stock of the situation arising out of drug trafficking in the state of Meghalaya.

Addressing media persons after the meeting, Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh informed that during the discussion, the government has sought the intervention of the NHRC for the creation of an NCB sub-zonal office in Shillong. 

“The government has already proposed for a sub-zonal office of the NCB and we sought the intervention of the NHRC in order to push the agenda forward.”

He said that the government also brought to the notice of the visiting officer of the NHRC about the pending proposal of the state government for the procurement of scanner vehicles, which is funded by the government of India. 

“The proposal is already reached the union ministry but there seems to be undue delay in sanctioning of these vehicles. We had sought for initially two such vehicles and we have been assured that the special monitor of the NHRC will intervene on behalf of the state govenment,” the minister stated.

Lyngdoh mentioned that the meeting also discussed about the PITNDPS Act and said, “A major component of the Act is that there is a provision for preventive detention. We sought that the period of preventive detention be further extended up to three years.”

“Currently there are already four persons, who have been detained under the PITNDPS and there are 12 other cases that are in the stage of active consideration,”he added.

Asked, the minister said the government has identified at least two entry points to the state of Meghalaya, both of which are in Ri Bhoi district. 

“The DGP has been assigned with the responsibility of following up the matter along with the NHRC whose special monitor is visiting the state to take stock of the situation,” he stated.

The special monitor of the NHRC was also briefed on the various initiatives taken by the state government.

“I am glad to share with you that the special monitor was very appreciative of the various interventions of the Meghalaya government. He made a special remark of the fact that Meghalaya is one of the few states which has like the DREAM project, which involves the entire community and also includes educational institutions and faith based organizations. That he was very appreciative and assured us full support of the NHRC,” Lyngdoh said.

Lyngdoh said more exhaustive and more detailed discussion with the NHRC official will take place tomorrow.

“Few suggestions have been made on the points raised about for instance the fact that Meghalaya happens to be within the striking range of major drug supply chain, which is the golden triangle of Myanmar and therefore, the problem of supply is a major threat because unlike for instance the state of Punjab where the supply is locally based, here the main supply chain is from outside of Meghalaya,” he added.

To another query, Lyngdoh said the special monitor has appreciated the fact that Meghalaya has gone all out to crack down on illicit drug trafficking and apart from everything else, the fact that ours is a community led initiative, the entire community is involved and like in many cases of states where only the government is involved.

Today’s meeting was represented by senior officials of the home police department including DGP and her officers, commissioner & secretary incharge social welfare, additional chief secretary, members from law department and DREAM mission.