Days after bomb blasts rocked Ajmer and Ludhiana, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on Tuesday pointed out that terrorism is the biggest challenge for the whole world and India and that the central government and security forces were capable of tackling the menace.
Addressing the 23rd Raising Day celebration of National Security Guards at the training centre of NSG at Manesar, Gurgaon, Patil praised the service to the nation of dedicated NSG commandos.
NSG is an elite specialist force to combat terrorism in all its facets. Besides its counter-hijacking and counter-terrorism role, it has also been tasked to provide mobile security to dignitaries at high risk and provide sky marshals on selected domestic and international flights.
"We assure the country that our commandos are no less than commandos of any other countries," said NSG Director-General Jyoti Krishan Dutt, while lauding the role of NSG commandos, popularly known as Black Cats.
Black Cats commandos are drawn from the army and central police forces on deputation. Due to intensified responsibilities and increasing terrorist activities, there is a need to extend the elite force.
The central government has committed to make the security forces well equipped and it will give every support to NSG to raise its capabilities, Patil said, adding that some states have performed well to handle the anti-social elements but some states have to show their work.
Though raised as a quick reaction contingency force in 1984, the NSG remained heavily committed during the past one year. Besides giving security to VIPs and its traditional duties, it has covered important national and international events such as deployment in the West Indies to provide security for the Cricket World Cup 2007, the 14th SAARC summit at Delhi in April 2007 and now giving security for World Military games at Hyderabad.
It also regularly organises training for the state police forces and soldiers from other friendly countries. "We have every thing which makes us a top elite force," said Dutt while mentioning that a NSG team participated in the 10th International Combat Team Competition held at Germany from September 2-7 and clinched the first position in obstacle based physical exercise and shooting events.
During the celebration, 'Skills of Commandos' and 'Metro Intervention Drill' had shown.
Patil also gave away police and bravery medals to 'Black Cats' and police personnel for distinguished service.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Prakash Jaiswal was also present on the occasion.
