The National Security Guard (NSG)

The National Security Guard (NSG) was established in response to increasing terrorist threats and the need for a specialized force capable of handling high-risk situations. Here’s a brief history of the NSG:

Formation:

• The NSG was raised on October 16, 1984, following the Operation Blue Star in Amritsar, Punjab, which highlighted the necessity for a dedicated force to handle terrorist activities and hostage situations.
• It was formally constituted under the National Security Guard Act of 1986, passed by the Indian Parliament.

Genesis:

• The force was conceptualized to be a highly specialized unit capable of handling counter-terrorism operations, hostage rescue missions, and responding to hijackings.
• The inspiration for the NSG came from the success of the SAS (Special Air Service) in the UK and the GSG 9 (Border Guard Group 9) in Germany.

Initial Training and Formation:

• NSG personnel initially received training from experts across the globe, including assistance from the SAS and GSG 9.
• The force was initially named the “Black Cat Commandos” due to their distinctive black uniforms.

Operational Deployment:

• NSG’s first operational deployment was during the Punjab insurgency in the mid-1980s. They were involved in combating terrorism and restoring peace in the region.

Operations and Notable Missions:

• The NSG has been involved in several high-profile operations, including responding to the 1986 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight (Kandahar hijacking), the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the Akshardham temple attack in 2002, and various other critical situations.

Evolution and Modernization:

• Over the years, the NSG has undergone continuous training, modernization, and capacity building to enhance its capabilities in handling evolving security threats.
• Specialized units within the NSG, such as the Special Action Group (SAG) and the Special Rangers Group (SRG), have been developed to handle specific operational requirements.

Professionalism and Recognition:

• The NSG is renowned for its professionalism, specialized training, and operational expertise, making it a vital component of India’s counter-terrorism strategy.

The NSG’s history is characterized by its evolution into a highly specialized force, capable of responding swiftly and effectively to terrorist threats, hostage situations, and other critical security scenarios

Functions of the National Security Guard

• NSG specializes in countering terrorism and conducting anti-terror operations. It responds swiftly and decisively to terrorist threats, neutralizing them and ensuring the safety of civilians
• One of NSG’s critical functions is conducting hostage rescue operations. It is trained to handle hostage situations with precision, ensuring the safe rescue of hostages while neutralizing terrorists
• NSG is equipped to respond to hijacking incidents, securing hijacked aircraft or other vehicles, and rescuing passengers or hostages in coordination with other security agencies
• The force provides specialized training to its personnel in advanced combat, handling explosives, crisis management, and various other skills crucial for high-risk operations
• NSG provides security cover for high-profile individuals, dignitaries, and vital installations in the country, ensuring their protection against potential threats
• The force maintains specialized units capable of responding to threats involving nuclear, biological, and chemical substances, ensuring preparedness and response measures in such scenarios
• NSG assists other law enforcement agencies and state governments during critical situations, providing expertise, resources, and operational support as needed
• The NSG collaborates with other security forces and agencies, sharing expertise, and conducting joint training programs to enhance overall preparedness and response capabilities
• The force engages in operational planning, intelligence gathering, and analysis to effectively counter emerging security threats and preempt potential attacks

Operations of National Security Guard

• NSG is extensively involved in countering terrorism. It responds to and neutralizes terrorist threats across the country, deploying its expertise in handling complex, high-risk situations involving terrorists
• The force specializes in conducting hostage rescue missions. During hostage situations, NSG operatives are deployed to ensure the safe rescue of hostages while minimizing casualties
• NSG is equipped to respond to hijacking incidents involving aircraft or other vehicles. It intervenes to secure the situation, rescue passengers, and neutralize hijackers
• NSG provides security cover for high-profile individuals, dignitaries, and vital installations, ensuring their protection against potential threats
• NSG has been involved in responding to major terrorist incidents across the country. Notably, it played a critical role during the 2008 Mumbai attacks, intervening to neutralize terrorists and rescue hostages
• The force is known for its rapid response capabilities. In various emergency situations, NSG teams are deployed swiftly to contain the threat and minimize damage
• NSG conducts specialized training programs for its personnel and collaborates with other security forces to enhance their capabilities in handling terrorist threats and critical security scenarios
• The force maintains specialized units, such as those equipped to handle nuclear, biological, and chemical threats (NBC), providing a response to specific threats requiring specialized expertise
• NSG collaborates closely with state and central law enforcement agencies, providing operational support, expertise, and resources during critical situations
• Apart from reactive responses, NSG engages in intelligence gathering, operational planning, and preemptive measures to prevent potential terrorist attacks and security breaches

Administration of National Security Guard