Shillong, Nov 22 (Reporter) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Friday announced that the state government will come up with a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on the use of sirens, tinted glasses, and flickering lights, which will be strictly implemented to minimize the inconvenience caused to the public in the state. “I have been receiving a large number of complaints and concerns from citizens about what people are calling ‘VIP culture’. This is undoubtedly a matter of serious concern. However, it’s crucial to examine this issue from multiple perspectives. While there’s a legitimate need for security and safety, these concerns should not be intertwined with a sense of entitlement. Safety and security are paramount and should never be compromised. Yet, when these concerns become more of an attitude of privilege and are misused, that’s where the real problem lies,” Sangma said. The Chief Minister revealed that he convened a meeting last week with Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Home Prestone Tynsong, Chief Secretary Donald Philips Wahlang, and Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang to address the issue of excessive use of sirens, tinted glasses, and flashing lights. He said the police department has been tasked with creating an SOP that will specify who is permitted to use these privileges and who is not. “Once prepared, the SOP will be strictly implemented, including the protocols to be followed while using sirens, flickering lights, and other devices,” Sangma said. The Chief Minister said that the SOP will be brought before the Cabinet by next week. “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.” While acknowledging the importance of safety and security protocols, the Chief Minister said that there are protocols that need to be followed for individuals with Z+, Z, and Y-category security protocols that cannot be compromised. “Those aspects need to be balanced. As I had mentioned, keeping the safety and security matter in front of us, we will work towards ensuring that this safety and security is not abused in a manner in which it becomes a nuisance to the public. The balancing of these two is what is required,” the Chief Minister said. “We hope that through this SOP, which will come out very soon, and which we will be passing in the Cabinet, we should be able to minimise the inconvenience caused to the public,” he added...////...