Female Black Cats will soon be deployed in anti-terror operations

NEW DELHI: The National Security Guard (NSG), whose commandos are popularly known as 'Black Cats', will now deploy its women commandos as well in anti-terror operations, something which was not done earlier.

NSG officials said women commandos, who are already on critical assignments like VIP security and high security drills, are combat-ready for high-risk operations related to terror attacks and other contingencies.

Black Cats had killed Lashkar-e-Toiba fidayeen in the 2611 Mumbai attacks, an operation which was seen live by the whole world. The NSG, while celebrating its 31st Raising Day on Friday , for the first time demonstrated an antiplane hijacking drill at its Manesar base in the wake of threats from outfits like Islamic State and Al-Qaida.

NSG DG R C Tayal said there was constant need to upgrade both technique and tactics in order to face new chal lenges and highlighted various modernisation and upgrade initiatives undertaken by NSG during the last one year including enhancement of surveillance capabilities, strengthening of regional hubs, joint training of NSG with special forces of other countries, re view of VVIP security issues and capacity building of state police as a first responder by conduct of joint training exercises. Tayal said his force was ready to tackle terrorism in all its manifestations.

Speaking to reporters, Tayal also said NSG was ready to operate in Naxal affected areas during an emergency hostage crisis situation if the task was given to them.

Meanwhile, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said the government will provide all critical requirements of NSG in its assignments. He felicitated the awardees of President's Police Medal for Meritorious Service, the best commando, shooter and trainer and next of kin of NSG martyrs. He also unveiled the `The Black Cat Journal' special issue-2015.