Gangtok, Mar 7: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang announced the creation of 500 new Police Constable posts, with 30% reserved for women, during the 18th Raising Day of the 3rd Indian Reserve Battalion (IRBn) at its Manglay headquarters on Friday.

Tamang, attending as the chief guest, was accompanied by ministers, MLAs, Director General of Police (DGP), Inspectors General of Police (IGPs), and other senior officials. He inaugurated the new Teesta Command Block, an administrative facility aimed at strengthening the battalion’s operations, and distributed financial aid from the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Fund to 22 students.

In his address, Tamang highlighted the police’s role in maintaining law and order and acknowledged the 3rd IRBn’s support to district forces, including armed security and readiness for statewide or interstate deployments during emergencies and elections. He stated that while compassion and inclusiveness are important, threats to peace would be met with firm legal action, and reaffirmed government support for police welfare, including promotions and improved facilities.

Responding to opposition concerns on finances, Tamang noted that delays in salary payments could affect the distribution of funds, urging an end to misinformation. The event also recognized the battalion’s discipline and contribution to maintaining peace in Sikkim.