Gangtok, Sep 22 (PTI) The Sikkim Police on Tuesday stepped up its public outreach efforts with a programme in Namchi aimed at strengthening police-public interaction and sensitising students and citizens on drug abuse, road safety, cybercrime and child protection.
The “Building Bonds” programme was organised at the Jubilee Hall of Loyola College of Education, Namchi, according to a Sikkim Police press statement.
The programme was addressed by DGP Akshay Sachdeva.
Sachdeva highlighted Sikkim’s diverse cultural heritage and urged young people to take an active role in preserving their traditions while respecting those of other communities.
“No culture or community should be considered superior or inferior,” he said, stressing the need for mutual respect, understanding and unity among Sikkim’s different communities.
The DGP also appreciated Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang’s initiative to observe Traditional Attire Day, under which government offices and educational institutions are encouraged to wear traditional attire once a week, saying such efforts help preserve Sikkim’s cultural identity, according to the statement.
As part of the programme, police personnel, teachers and students took part in role-play demonstrations on “Good Cop-Bad Cop” and “Good Public-Bad Public”, highlighting the consequences of responsible and irresponsible behaviour by law enforcement personnel and citizens, the statement said.
The demonstrations also focused on peer pressure, drug addiction, traffic and road safety, narcotics prevention and the responsibilities of citizens and police personnel.
Sachdeva sensitised the gathering about cyber fraud, digital and bank scams, digital arrest, sextortion, love traps and AI-based voice cloning. He clarified that there is no provision for digital arrest and urged people to remain vigilant, take preventive measures and report cyber offences promptly.
He also explained provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, stressing that the law protects children below 18 years and that a minor’s consent to a sexual relationship does not constitute valid legal consent under the Act.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Namchi, Sonam Doma Bhutia said the programme was part of the Sikkim Police’s ongoing public outreach initiative, under which the DGP has been visiting colleges, universities and community centres to strengthen interaction with citizens.
She said citizen-centric policing places emphasis on public trust, community partnership, transparency and responsive delivery of police services.
The initiative also follows a peer-to-peer approach, with police officers engaging with citizens in a friendly and accessible manner to facilitate dialogue and awareness, she said.
Loyola College of Education Principal Dr Sebastian V J welcomed the initiative and said such programmes would help students better understand issues concerning their safety, security and well-being. PTI COR RG
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