Day 95 – Q 5.What is the mandate of the National Security Guard (NSG)? What makes NSG an elite security agency? Discuss.

5. What is the mandate of the National Security Guard (NSG)? What makes NSG an elite security agency? Discuss. 

राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा गार्ड (NSG) का जनादेश क्या है? एनएसजी को एक कुलीन सुरक्षा एजेंसी क्या बनाती है? चर्चा करें।

Introduction:

The National Security Guard (NSG) is an elite counter-terrorism unit under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It was raised following Operation Blue Star, Akshardham Temple attack and the assassination of Indira Gandhi, for combating terrorist activities with a view to protect states against internal disturbances.

Body:

Mandate of National Security Guard:

• NSG, under the existing constitutional framework, can be deployed by the Central government only at the request of the concerned States. The Force is not designed to supplant the function of the State police forces and other paramilitary forces of the Union of India.
• The main tasks of the NSG are neutralization of specific terrorist threats in any given area or point by engaging the terrorist with swift action.
• To handle hijack situations by storming the aircraft.
• It has also created an information centre/research and documentation Wing to amass information on various terrorist groups, their strategies, weapons and tactics. 
• The NSG also trains personnel from various State police and paramilitary organization to deal with anti-terrorist operations, and bomb detection and disposal.
• It maintains continuous liaison with various institutions in the country dealing with anti -terrorist training.

Elite Security Force:

• Deputationist force: Multi service recruitment through Indian Army, Central armed police force and state police force with world class zero error force standards. 
• International Standard: The NSG was modeled on the pattern of the SAS of United Kingdom and GSG-9 of Germany. 
• Task oriented force: Counter terrorism and anti-hijacking has been the main focus for the NSG. The diversion of NSG to VIP protection removed recently. 
• Specialized Training: Rigorous training ensure all  personnel of the Force are extremely physically fit, perfect in shooting skills, have the requisite technical skills and are highly motivated, aggressive and mentally alert at all times.
• Foreign collaboration: The National Security Guard has conducted international exchanges and joint training with foreign Special Forces, including those from Germany, Russia, United States, France, Israel and Australia.

However, there were questions over lack of terrain information to NSG in different geographies led to delay in conclusion of operation in Pathankot Attack. There are also issues with the intelligence and coordination among stakeholders in counter-terror operation. 

Conclusion:

A Force like the NSG is indispensable in view of the growing terrorist violence in different forms. In future, the dependence on the NSG is likely to increase with long term comprehensive policy against terrorism.