Nagaland Police Officers’ Mess at Phesama Inaugurated

KOHIMA, Dec 13: Describing it as a significant milestone in the progress and development of the Nagaland Police, Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on 12 December 2025 inaugurated the new Police Officers’ Mess at the New Police Reserve, Phesama, Kohima.

In his address at the Police Conference Hall, Dr. Rio recalled that the old hill-type officers’ mess, constructed in 1981, had served generations of police officers faithfully for 42 years. Recognising the deteriorating condition of the structure, the government took a timely and visionary decision to dismantle it and construct a new three-storeyed RCC building at the New Reserve, Phesama, aimed at providing officers with dignity, comfort and modern facilities.

The Chief Minister informed that, on the initiative of the Government of Nagaland, funds for the project were sanctioned by the Central Government under Part-I of the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) 2023–24. He encouraged officers to make meaningful use of the new facility to enhance efficiency, camaraderie and well-being, adding that the building also holds potential to host various programmes and official engagements.

Urging police personnel to continue their service with renewed vigour, discipline and determination, Dr. Rio said the new facility stands as a reminder of the trust placed in the police force and an inspiration to strive for excellence. He also called upon officers to bring greater pride, honour and laurels to the state, and thanked Home Minister Y. Patton for taking responsibility for the construction of the officers’ mess.

Presenting a brief technical report, Chief Engineer (Police Project) Er. K. Imnajungba Jamir said the upgraded officers’ mess was constructed under SASCI to provide a functional, comfortable and secure facility, including dining, recreation and accommodation spaces, in accordance with established engineering standards and safety norms, including fire safety provisions. He informed that the building has a plinth area of 5,767 square feet with a total built-up area of 17,375 square feet. The total project cost stands at ₹7,02,87,000, funded under SASCI and sanctioned in phases. The work was executed by M/s Guolhoulie Rio & Sons.

During the programme, the Nagaland Police Mess Reservation App was launched, and Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) were handed over to 39 retired police personnel along with group term insurance benefits to nominees under the Police Salary Package (PSP). The event was attended by Minister for Roads and Bridges G. Kaito Aye, Minister for Housing P. Bashangmongba Chang, Adviser for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan, Accountant General Nagaland Arun Ahluwalia, Home Commissioner and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Abhijit Sinha, IAS, senior police officers and SBI officials.

Addressing the gathering, Accountant General Nagaland Arun Ahluwalia, IA&AS, said the inauguration reflects the State’s commitment to enhancing the well-being and morale of the police force. He noted that the handing over of PPOs symbolises recognition of the dedication, courage and long years of service of retiring officers. Highlighting digital integration of pension and GPF workflows, he said Nagaland is progressing towards a unified, end-to-end digital entitlement ecosystem, with monthly pension settlements increasing from around 300 cases in August 2025 to over 400 cases per month.

In his welcome address, Director General of Police Rupin Sharma, IPS, informed that pending pension cases are being addressed and are targeted to be settled within the next six months, covering about 91 per cent of cases.

The Police Officers’ Mess building was dedicated by Pastor Rev. Vesotsu Rakho of the Police Union Baptist Church (PUBC), Phesama. The programme was chaired by DIGP (Planning & Modernisation) Teisovise Metha, IPS, and concluded with a vote of thanks by ADGP (Administration) Renchamo Kikon, IPS. (Mhathung Ngullie, Assistant Director, DIPR)