Pathankot effect: Army to train Punjab cops in tackling terror attacks

CHANDIGARH: In the wake of Pathankot attack, select personnel of Punjab Police will be given specialised training by the Army in tackling terror attacks in a better and effective manner.

Army has offered to train Punjab Police personnel at its different facilities in Jalandhar, Pathankot, Zirakpur and Nahan, said an official release here.

A two-week training programme is being considered for nearly 20 young police officers for strengthening the SWAT team.

Punjab Police is making all efforts to increase its preparedness to tackle any Pathankot-type incident in future and also to strengthen its linkages with other security agencies, especially the Army, the release said.

Similarly, some officials will undertake the "GHATAK" Anti Terrorist Operations Training Course, it said.

In addition, Army has also agreed in enhancing the expertise of the Punjab Police in handling IEDs, anti sabotage and bomb disposal techniques.

The above courses are also expected to increase the co-operation and co-ordination between the two organizations, it said.

This move came as follow-up of the meeting between M K Tiwari, ADGP (HRD) Punjab and Major General M P Singh, In-charge (Training), Western Command, it said.

In the terror attack at the Pathankot air base last month, which houses fighter jets and attack helicopters, seven security personnel were killed along with six militants.