Who We Are
Editorial Note
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When the idea of a second coffee table book was first suggested by Director General of Police Shri L.L. Doungel, IPS, it was, by the editorial team’s own admission, a daunting challenge. The first book, Nagaland Police: Then and Now, had already chronicled the force’s broad history — so this one set out to do something different: to look beyond the history and tell the story of the people, customs, and units that make up Nagaland Police today. What follows is drawn from that effort.
"Personally, I am of this confirmed view that in order to meet present day challenges as also emerging challenges of tomorrow, police men and police women must keep updating their knowledge, upgrading their skills constantly. Another vital requirement to meet challenges is to know and understand the people and the society where the police men and police women perform."
One of Us
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Behind every uniform is a personal story. The book gives serving personnel — from constables to decorated athletes — the space to speak in their own words about what the job means to them. A few of those voices:
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“Being a woman in the uniformed service is challenging… the decision to join the police force was a conscious one and we knew it was not going to be easy. It is challenging but equally rewarding, and the respect that comes with the job brings a lot of satisfaction.”
 — Havildar Duvolu Venuh, 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Battalion
“I will be completing 35 years of service and retiring in December this year. The fondest memories of my years in service are the ones I spent performing outstation duties. There is a sense of solidarity and oneness in the police force which makes even difficult duties less grueling.”
 — Havildar Machuo Rengma, 1st NAP Battalion
Constable Kilenmeren Ao represented India and won two gold medals at the 2017 World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) held in Los Angeles, USA, taking top honours in the Men’s Field (28 Target) Freestyle Limited and Men’s Target 900 Round — Freestyle-Limited events. He earned his place on the national contingent after winning two gold, one silver and two bronze medals across categories at the 5th All India Police Archery Championship 2016 in Ranchi.
An accomplished archer, Smt. Chekrovolu Swuro has represented India at multiple international meets including the 2002 and 2006 Asian Games. The Indian team won silver at the 2011 World Archery Championship in Turin, Italy, and she went on to qualify for the London Summer Olympics 2012 — becoming only the second Naga sportsperson, after Shri Talimeren Ao, to represent the country at the Olympics. She was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2013 for her contribution to sport.
Customs and Traditions
At the heart of any uniformed organisation are the customs and traditions that give it character. Nagaland Police is a relatively young organisation, but its heritage is a rich one — some practices trace back to British rule in India, and to the shared roots of military organisations everywhere. These customs anchor a sense of esprit-de-corps and purpose, linking the force’s past with its present.
Police Commemoration Day
Observed every 21st October across all police forces in India, Commemoration Day honours personnel who have given their lives in the line of duty. The date marks 21 October 1959, when a CRPF patrol under DCIO Karam Singh was ambushed by Chinese forces near the Chang Chenmo river in Ladakh’s Hot Springs area — ten personnel were killed and the rest taken prisoner. Every year, police forces from across the country trek to Hot Springs to pay homage, while at police lines everywhere, a guard of honour presents reversed arms and the Roll of Honour is read out before wreaths are laid.
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Trooping the Colours
Ever since Nagaland Police was presented its Presidential Colours on 15 May 1985, the Colours have been an integral part of every formal parade. They are trooped at the beginning of the parade, when the parade presents arms — and it is customary for everyone gathered to rise and salute as the Colours pass.
Reveille & The Last Post
The Reveille is the bright, cheerful bugle call that rouses personnel from sleep and readies them for duty — one of many bugle calls used daily in police lines, a tradition dating back to Roman times when horns and bugles were the only reliable way to signal troops and mark the hours. At the other end of the day stands The Last Post, the solemn call sounded at day’s end and at memorial services, marking a moment of quiet reflection.
Other Living Traditions
•    Farewell Parade (Vidai Parade) — a ceremonial send-off marking an officer’s departure from a unit or retirement from service.
•    Nagaland Police Day — an annual observance celebrating the force’s founding and achievements.
•    Dining In & Dining Out, and Police Etiquette — formal mess traditions and codes of conduct passed down through the officer corps.
•    The Nagaland Police Duty-cum-Sports & Athletics Meet — the force’s annual multi-unit sporting event.
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The Commanders’ Gallery
Nagaland Police has been led by a succession of Inspectors General and, since 1987, Directors General of Police. This updated roster extends the leadership record through to the publication of this second coffee table book:
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Director General of Police | Tenure |
Shri K. K. Zutshi, IPS (First Director General) | 11.09.1987 to 30.10.1990 |
Shri K. K. Mazumdar, IPS | 30.10.1990 to 16.06.1992 |
Shri S. C. Tripathi, IPS | 17.06.1992 to 30.09.1993 |
Padma Shri Chaman Lal, IPS | 01.10.1993 to 27.10.1995 |
Shri P. N. Khanna, IPS | 12.02.1996 to 10.02.1999 |
Shri Lukhei Sema, IPS | 11.02.1999 to 31.05.2001 |
Shri M. Hesso Mao, IPS | 01.06.2001 to 30.09.2003 |
Shri J. Changkija, IPS | 01.10.2003 to 28.02.2009 |
Shri K. Kire, IPS | 01.03.2009 to 31.12.2011 |
Shri O. Alem, IPS | 01.01.2012 to 31.12.2012 |
Shri Besasayo Kezo, IPS | 04.01.2013 to 30.09.2014 |
Shri L. L. Doungel, IPS | 26.11.2014 onwards (at time of this book’s publication) |