NSG (group)

The term "NSG" most commonly refers to the National Security Guard (NSG), an elite counter-terrorism unit of India.

National Security Guard (NSG)

The National Security Guard (NSG) is a special operations unit under the Ministry of Home Affairs of India. It was raised in 1984 following Operation Blue Star, and its primary mandate is to combat terrorism and handle hijackings. The NSG is often referred to as the "Black Cats" because of their black uniforms and the distinctive black cat insignia on their uniforms.

Roles and Responsibilities:

The NSG's roles include:

• Neutralizing terrorists in various scenarios, including hostage situations.
• Combating hijackings of aircraft and other transport vehicles.
• Protecting VIPs and critical infrastructure.
• Providing security cover during major events.
• Training state police forces in counter-terrorism tactics.

Structure and Organization:

The NSG is composed of personnel drawn from the Indian Army and various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). It is divided into two main groups:

• Special Action Group (SAG): The SAG is the offensive wing of the NSG and primarily consists of personnel from the Indian Army. They are highly trained in counter-terrorism and hostage rescue operations.
• Special Ranger Group (SRG): The SRG provides support to the SAG and is composed of personnel from the CAPFs. Their responsibilities include intelligence gathering, bomb disposal, and providing logistical support.

Selection and Training:

Selection for the NSG is extremely rigorous, and only a small percentage of applicants are accepted. Training is highly demanding and specialized, focusing on physical fitness, weapon handling, close-quarters combat, and psychological resilience.

Notable Operations:

The NSG has been involved in several high-profile operations, including:

• Operation Black Thunder (1988): To flush out militants holed up in the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
• Operation Vajra Shakti (2002): An anti-terror operation at the Akshardham Temple in Gujarat.
• Operation Black Tornado (2008): To neutralize terrorists during the Mumbai terror attacks.

Criticisms:

The NSG has faced some criticism, including concerns about its response time and logistical challenges in certain operations. There have also been debates regarding its overall effectiveness and the need for better coordination with local police forces.