Meghalaya govt to come up with SOP on use of sirens, tinted glasses & flickering lights

Shillong: Chief minister Conrad K Sangma Friday announced that the govt will soon come up with an SOP on the use of sirens, tinted glasses and flickering lights in the state and the same will be strictly implemented to minimise the inconvenience caused to the public.
"I have been receiving several complaints from citizens about what people are calling VIP culture. It is, of course, a matter of concern. But we also have to look at it from multiple angles. There is a concern about security and safety, which should not be mixed with the aspect of culture. Safety and security are one aspect, which is something we personally feel is important and should not be compromised. But if it becomes more of an attitude and is used in the wrong way, then that is a problem," the CM said.
Conrad said he had a meeting with deputy CM in-charge home (police), Prestone Tynsong, chief secretary and DGP last week. The police dept was asked to prepare an SOP as to who can and who cannot use sirens, tinted glasses and flickering lights. Once it is ready, the SOP will be strictly implemented, including the protocols to be followed while using sirens, flickering lights and other devices, he added.
The CM said the SOP will be brought before the cabinet by next week.
"There are protocols that need to be followed for those who come under the different categories of security like Z-plus, Z, and Y, and these are defined protocols, which cannot be compromised," he said.
"Those aspects need to be balanced. As I had mentioned, keeping the safety and security matter in front of us, we will work towards ensuring that it is not abused in a way that it becomes a nuisance to the public," he added.