The Centre will take all steps to “strengthen” the country’s elite counter-terror force —National Security Guard (NSG) — by providing better infrastructure and weapons, Union Home Minister
Rajnath Singh said here on Tuesday.
The Minister was speaking after inaugurating a composite building for counter-hijack squad of the force near IGI Airport here. Singh said he would also welcome a proposal for creation of a new category of medals for these commandos and those from other special forces to recognise their 'shaurya' (bravery) and to boost their morale.
Singh lauded the NSG for its role during the terror attack in January at the Pathankot airbase which ensured that there was “no damage to the strategic installations and equipments” inside the air force station.
“I will make efforts to see that your infrastructural needs are met...Any special force like NSG needs special training and some very sophisticated equipments. The Home Ministry will take all steps to strengthen NSG,” he said, noting countries across the globe are facing the scourge of terrorism.
The counter-hijack squad complex, modelled on the pattern of the German special counter-terror force GSG-9 and built at a cost of `38 crore, houses some vital assets of the force like a base for 'black cat' commandos who undertake counter-hijack operations, a sniffer dogs squad and a bomb disposal squad.
“You have a special place in the hearts of the people ...Whenever NSG is deployed, the country knows they are in safe hands. You have done your job very ably,” Singh said as he made a special mention of the Akshardham temple attack operation of 2002 during which NSG neutralised the terrorists.