VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday emphasised that a robust law and order environment has instilled confidence in global IT giants like Google to invest in Andhra Pradesh.
Speaking at the Police Commemoration Day event at the APSP 6th Battalion Ground in Mangalagiri, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening the police force, urging cops to elevate the Andhra Pradesh Police as a distinguished brand in the country.
Earlier, Naidu placed a wreath at the Martyrs’ Stupa, and donated to the Police Flag Fund. Later, he inspected the guard of honour. Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, Chief Secretary K Vijayanand, Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta and other senior officials attended the Smriti Parade organised to mark the Police Commemoration Day, and paid tributes to martyrs.
Addressing the police on the occasion, Naidu said the State government was committed to the welfare of the police. He paid homage to 192 police men (six from AP) who laid down their lives while discharging duties nationwide this year.
“Global tech giant Google has agreed to invest in Andhra Pradesh. The company is ready to set up the biggest AI data centre in Vizag. This has become possible due to the State’s strong law and order situation. Peace ensures development and prosperity. When there is peace, opportunities and welfare follow. Social unrest drives investors away. That’s why I have always been firm on law and order,” he said.
Emphasising that the development of the State is possible only with investments, he said police should play an active role in thwarting the attempts of anti-social elements to disturb peace.
“Police should update their professional skills to tackle with the fast changing modus operandi of criminals in the cyber era,” the Chief Minister said.
Naidu praised the police for their record in eliminating factionism, Naxalism and rowdyism in the State, calling them ‘a model force’.
Naidu lauds EAGLE, Shakti teams
He highlighted the importance of use of technology in policing, including CCTV camera surveillance, drones, mobile signal tracking, and Google Takeout tools. He also lauded EAGLE and Shakti teams, drone-based anti-smuggling operations, and efforts to curb red sanders smuggling, and illegal cultivation of ganja.
Naidu further cautioned the police against emerging criminals operating under political disguise, saying they are more dangerous than regular offenders. “They spread religious and caste-based hatred, create unrest, and mislead people through fake propaganda on social media,” he said, adding that social media crimes, including defamation, obscene posts, and misinformation, are serious threats to peace, and should be dealt with an iron hand. Naidu outlined the State government’s efforts to modernise the police force with advanced equipment.
“Andhra Pradesh Police has taken bold steps to stay ahead of these challenges by adopting technology-driven, intelligence-led, and community-oriented policing. We have strengthened our operational capacity, and received many national level awards for the best policing methods,” the DGP said.
