Assam Police: Bridging Trust and Transforming Public Perception

Hriday Sarma 

(Dr. Hriday Sarma is a Guwahati-based advocate.

He can be reached at hridaysarma@yahoo.co.in.)

The relationship between the police force and the public is a cornerstone of societal stability. In Assam, this relationship has faced challenges as the state navigates a blend of inspiring successes and troubling controversies surrounding its police department. From addressing rising threats to facing accusations of rights violations, the Assam Police, particularly in Guwahati, has often made national headlines. This complex dichotomy—a force regarded as both protector and, at times, unjustly accused offender—raises a crucial question: how can the Assam Police bridge this trust deficit and reshape its public perception?

Recent years have shown that public safety in Assam has become increasingly nuanced, calling for a delicate balance between enforcing the law and ensuring human rights. The vigilance of the Assam Police in tackling crime in Guwahati was demonstrated recently when five individuals involved in separate incidents of thievery and dacoity were apprehended across Rajgarh, Ganeshguri, and Ulubari within a span of just 24 hours this month, highlighting the force’s swift response to such crimes.

Such actions bring significant relief to residents, especially amidst a backdrop of rising crime rates, including offences committed by white-collar individuals with no prior criminal records and cybercrimes. They also underscore the police’s capacity to act swiftly and decisively. However, concerns over allegations of police high-handedness, coupled with the shadow of 171 reported “encounters” in just two years—which have drawn the attention of the Supreme Court—warrant introspection and reform.

While the Assam Police actively works to ensure public safety, it has faced scrutiny, particularly in relation to its encounters with crime. Between May 2021 and January 2024, 34 fatalities and 131 injuries were reported during police operations. While such encounters are often seen as a bold approach to tackling serious criminal threats, they have also invited questions from legal and civil rights bodies. The Supreme Court has sought detailed reports on these incidents, emphasising the importance of adhering to procedural safeguards in such operations. To their credit, the Assam Police have outlined their commitment to transparency and fairness, which can help reinforce public confidence in their efforts to maintain law and order without compromising on accountability.

There have been discussions surrounding the procedural follow-up of such incidents, with calls for more frequent magisterial enquiries to ensure thorough investigations. Political leaders like Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi, as well as segments of civil society, have raised concerns about the need for comprehensive review processes in some cases. It is important to acknowledge the operational difficulties faced by the police in a region fraught with challenges such as insurgency, organized crime, and cross-border security issues. Balancing swift action with procedural formalities is a challenge, but ongoing reforms and introspection can help foster transparency, accountability, and trust among Assam’s people.

Despite these challenges, the Assam Police have made notable strides. For instance, their proactive measures in addressing threats from the insurgent group ULFA-I showcase their commitment to public safety. Following bomb threats on Independence Day, Special DGP Harmeet Singh emphasized the department’s firm stance against public security threats, with special teams formed to prevent escalation. Such efforts reflect a determination to maintain order in a region with unique complexities.

Assam’s challenges—insurgencies, cross-border smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and migration—place its police force in a league of its own. The ongoing war on drugs highlights both the achievements and human costs of its operations. While security sweeps and narcotics crackdowns have been praised, they have also drawn public concern, with opinions divided. During periods of unrest, such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests, the Assam Police’s actions have been polarizing. While DGP G.P. Singh emphasized maintaining order, unconfirmed incidents of police excesses and communication gaps alienated some sections of civil society. To rebuild trust, transparency must take centre stage. Independent audits of contentious incidents and the involvement of human rights observers could reinforce accountability and credibility.

Community policing offers a crucial avenue to bridge the gap between the police and the public. The introduction of ‘Nagarik Samitis’ (citizen panels) in Assam’s 307 police stations—an initiative led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma—represents a significant step forward. These 12-member committees, comprising police officers, local citizens, and government officials, aim to foster transparency and collaboration. By strengthening community policing, this initiative holds the potential to serve as a model for building trust and ensuring that police actions align more closely with the public’s interests.

Further bolstering the state’s crime prevention framework, Assam has embraced advanced technology to combat crime more effectively. The introduction of modern crime-mapping techniques and real-time data tracking has added precision to resource allocation and enhanced the state’s ability to identify and mitigate crime hotspots. These tools have proven especially useful in tackling incidents of theft and dacoity in urban areas like Guwahati, where efficient policing is crucial in highly populated zones. Moreover, such technology has symbolized the state’s shift from reactive to preventive policing, contributing to a dramatic three-fold reduction in crime rates across Assam by 2024 compared to 2021.

However, as crucial as technological infrastructure is, public engagement remains at the heart of sustainable crime prevention. To that end, Assam Police’s efforts in launching awareness programmes about new criminal laws mark an essential step in empowering citizens with knowledge about their legal rights and responsibilities. From the implementation of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, these laws focus more on justice and less on retribution, bringing digital evidence and community service into the justice paradigm. Such initiatives can demystify the judicial process for the common man while bolstering public trust in legal systems that sometimes appear opaque and inaccessible.

Connecting with communities also involves acknowledging and addressing the particular vulnerabilities of certain groups, especially women and children. A focused action plan to curb crimes against women, backed by awareness campaigns, the formation of special cells, and partnerships with women’s organizations, has contributed to improving safety indicators for vulnerable groups. Stricter law enforcement and social support mechanisms have not only encouraged more women to report crimes but have also established a stronger safety net for those who are most susceptible to exploitation. The Assam Police have shown innovation by blending enforcement with sensitivity.

At the grassroots level, neighbourhood watch programs and collaborations with community leaders have reinforced the Assam Police’s efforts to rebuild public trust. The participatory role of citizens in ensuring local safety fosters accountability and a collective sense of ownership over public welfare. As community involvement grows, so does the dilution of the long-standing divide between the law enforcement machinery and the public it serves.

Building public trust is a challenging yet essential task for the Assam Police, requiring a foundation of accountability, transparency, and mutual respect. Acknowledging mistakes and making amends is crucial for reshaping perceptions and strengthening the bond with the community. The Assam Police’s ongoing efforts in embracing technological advancements, engaging with communities, and initiating reforms are commendable steps toward building a more responsive force. While the journey has its challenges, these positive strides reflect the police’s commitment to public safety and fostering trust. Ultimately, for the Assam Police to be recognised not just as law enforcers but as genuine partners in the community’s well-being, they must continue demonstrating their dedication through consistent actions. When this shift is achieved, it will solidify a lasting legacy of trust and cooperation.