SHILLONG, Nov 22: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday announced that the state government will soon implement a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate the use of sirens, tinted glasses, and flickering lights associated with VIP culture. The move aims to address growing public concerns about the inconvenience caused by such practices, while also balancing the safety and security needs of individuals under various security categories.

“I have been receiving a large number of complaints and concerns 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,” the Chief Minister stated. He emphasized the importance of separating genuine safety and security needs from behavior that contributes to the misuse of these privileges.

Sangma revealed that last week he held a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong, Chief Secretary, and the Director-General of Police (DGP) to address the issue. The police department has been tasked with drafting the SOP, which will define who can and cannot use sirens, tinted glasses, and flickering lights, as well as the specific protocols for their use.

The SOP will be presented to the Cabinet for approval next week and will be strictly enforced once finalized. “We will be creating a strict SOP regarding who can and who cannot use the sirens, tinted glasses, or flickering lights; where they can be used, and how they should be used,” Sangma stated.

However, the Chief Minister acknowledged the importance of adhering to security protocols for individuals under various categories of protection such as Z plus, Z, and Y. He stressed the need to ensure safety measures are not compromised while preventing their misuse.

“The balancing of these two is what is required,” Sangma explained. “We will work towards ensuring that safety and security are not abused in a manner that becomes a nuisance to the public. Through this SOP, which we will pass in the Cabinet soon, we aim to minimize the inconvenience caused to the public.”