In a significant stride towards strengthening law enforcement and fostering peace in Assam, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, inaugurated the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Dergaon, Assam. The ceremony was graced by Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, and other dignitaries.
During his address, Shri Shah expressed optimism that the newly established academy would soon become the top-ranked police training institution in the country. Named after the legendary Assamese warrior Lachit Barphukan, the academy is expected to serve as a beacon of excellence in policing, not only for Assam but for the entire Northeast. The Home Minister compared it to Kashi, revered as the ultimate pilgrimage site, emphasizing that this institution would mark a new era of peace and progress in the region.
Shri Shah highlighted that the first phase of the academy, built at a cost of ₹167 crore, has been completed, and the entire project will be developed in three phases with a total investment of ₹1050 crore. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the academy will eliminate the need for Assam’s police personnel to seek training in other states. In fact, 2,000 police personnel from Goa and Manipur have already undergone training here, reflecting the academy’s growing reputation.
The inauguration of the academy is seen as a symbol of Assam’s transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shri Shah noted that the Modi government’s efforts have brought peace to a state once plagued by insurgency and violence. The signing of multiple peace agreements, such as the Assam-Bodoland Agreement (2020), the Karbi Anglong Agreement (2021), the Tribal Peace Agreement (2022), and the ULFA and Assam-Arunachal border agreements in 2023, have paved the way for over 10,000 former militants to surrender their arms and join the mainstream.
Shri Shah also emphasized the economic progress Assam is witnessing. Once known for unrest and insurgency, the state is now on the path to industrial growth, with a semiconductor industry worth ₹27,000 crore being established. The recent Advantage Assam 2.0 investment conference saw the signing of MoUs worth ₹5.18 lakh crore, while infrastructure projects worth ₹3 lakh crore are being implemented. These initiatives, totaling ₹8 lakh crore, are expected to generate numerous employment opportunities for the youth.
Reflecting on the Modi government’s commitment to Assam’s development, Shri Shah pointed out that the financial assistance provided to the state has quadrupled in the past decade, from ₹1.27 lakh crore to ₹4.49 lakh crore. He attributed the region’s past struggles to the negligence of previous governments, which failed to build infrastructure, improve education, or establish peace. In contrast, the current government has focused on infrastructure development, with projects like the ₹10,000 crore Bharatmala project, the ₹3,000 crore Dhubri-Phulbari bridge, and the ₹3,400 crore Silchar-Churaibari corridor.
In addition to infrastructure, the Modi government has prioritized the welfare of the poor. Shri Shah highlighted initiatives such as providing tap water to 58 lakh homes, free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh for 1.8 crore people, construction of toilets in 43 lakh homes, and the distribution of free rice to 2.32 crore people every month. Furthermore, 51 lakh gas cylinders and 21 lakh houses have been provided to those in need.
The Lachit Barphukan Police Academy is expected to play a vital role in enhancing law enforcement capabilities in Assam. Shri Shah noted that the conviction rate in the state has risen from 5% to 25%, and the police force, once focused on combating terrorism, is now dedicated to protecting citizens’ rights and enforcing the new criminal laws introduced by Prime Minister Modi.
The inauguration of this academy stands as a testament to Assam’s journey from conflict to peace and prosperity. With robust infrastructure, industrial investments, and improved law enforcement, the state is poised to become a model of development and harmony in the Northeast.
