States rush to get NSG hub

ON THE TERROR TRAIL

With Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announcing that the government would set up four NSG hubs in different parts of the country, there has been a rush among states seeking to set up the elite force in their respective areas.

Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have already evinced interest to get one of the NSG hubs in their respective states following the successful 60-hour-long operation conducted by the elite commando force when 10 terrorists seized Mumbai late last month.

“I have requested the Home Minister (P Chidambaram) to set up one of the proposed NSG hubs in our state,” Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy told PTI after meeting Chidambaram here.

The National Security Guards (NSG) is the premier security agency set up by the government to deal with national security. It comprises some of the best in-service officers from the Army and the paramilitary forces.

Among its duties, the commando force has to respond to calls pertaining to anti-terrorist operations or operations that are of national security interest. It is mandated to participate in anti-terror, assault, anti-hijack and hostage rescue operations. The NSG played a key role in dealing with the terrorists who attacked Mumbai on 26 November.Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said if the Centre sets up an NSG hub in Guwahati, it would be of great help in tackling terrorism in the entire northeastern region.

“I have requested the Home Minister to set up one of the hubs in Guwahati,” Gogoi said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in his opening remark at the all-party meeting held on November 30, said steps have been initiated to establish four NSG hubs in different parts of the country.

Tamil Nadu has also requested the Central government to allocate one of the proposed NSG hubs in Chennai.