ITANAGAR,

The Itanagar Police has decided to strictly enforce the 2021 order issued by the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) Deputy Commissioner regarding the closing timings of bars, nightclubs and restaurants across the capital region.

Addressing a press conference at the Itanagar Police Station on Monday, Itanagar Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Chera Saban said intensive monitoring and checking drives would soon be launched under his jurisdiction to ensure strict compliance with the regulation.

He said bars and restaurants in the ICR are required to close by 12 midnight as per the Deputy Commissioner’s order, while customers have also been urged to leave such establishments before the stipulated time.

“We are not stopping anyone from visiting bars or DJ nights. Our only request is to maintain the prescribed timing,” Saban said.

He informed that a meeting with bar and restaurant owners and members of their associations would soon be convened to discuss effective implementation of the regulation.

Saban admitted that regular checking drives could not be conducted earlier due to shortage of manpower and other constraints, but said the police department has now decided to intensify monitoring of bars, DJ nights, restaurants and other late-night establishments.

The SDPO warned that strict legal action would be initiated against both owners and customers if violations are detected during police checking drives.

Highlighting the rise in drunken driving cases, Saban said a majority of road accidents and other untoward incidents in the ICR occur due to late-night drinking and driving, resulting in several fatalities.

“The main objective of the enforcement drive is to curb illegal activities, including prostitution, and ensure public safety in the capital region,” he said.

He appealed to the public and business establishments to cooperate with the police during the enforcement drive.