NSG shifts 900 commandos from VIP security to anti-terror ops

The commando force, for the first time in many years, has de-inducted these 'black cats' from one of its three VIP security units - the '11 Special Rangers Group (SRG)' - from its existing duties.

The formations of the National Security Guard (NSG) are segregated into five units, two Special Action Groups (SAGs) manned by officers and jawans from the Army and three SRGs comprising personnel from para-military forces.

"One unit has been de-inducted from rendering VIP security duties. They will now train to perform counter-terror tasks on the lines of the SAG units. Both the Army and paramilitary components will now be able to perform the mandated charter of the force which is to tackle terror and hijack challenges," an official said.

As per the current charter of the force, each of the two SAGs (51 and 52) is tasked for counter-terror and counter- hijack operations respectively, while the SRGs (11,12 and 13) are used to render logistical support to the SAGs during operations and are deployed for guarding high-risk VIPs/VVIPs. Each of these units has around 900 personnel each.

The NSG, according to sources, has been able to accomplish the de-induction of the large number of commandos as after a long time it is guarding the least number of 15 VVIPs/VIPs.

The force has decided to use this opportunity to return to its original charter of performing counter-terror, counter- hijack, hostage rescue and sky-marshaling duties onboard aircrafts. (MORE)