The Union Minister for Home Affairs recently marked the 35th anniversary of the National Security Guard (NSG)’s establishment with a commemoration ceremony hosted at their headquarters in Manesar, Gurugram.
The Origin and Role of National Security Guard
The NSG is a specialized counter-terrorism unit that was officially constituted in 1986 through the enactment of the ‘National Security Guard Act, 1986’. The proposal for such a force emerged following several incidents of national concern like Operation Blue Star in 1984 – a military operation aimed to extricate militant religious leaders from the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the Akshardham Temple attack, and the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The primary objective behind NSG’s formation was to combat terrorist activities and safeguard the country against internal disturbances. Operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the NSG is designed as a task-centric force comprising two mutually supportive elements:
Key Elements of NSG: Special Action Group and Special Ranger Groups
The Special Action Group (SAG) is primarily composed of Army personnel and forms the main offensive or strike wing of the NSG. On the other hand, the Special Ranger Groups (SRG) includes personnel drawn from the Central Armed Police Forces/State Police Forces, typically responsible for VIP securities.
The director-general (DG), who heads the NSG, is handpicked and appointed by the Minister of Home Affairs. Upholding the motto of ‘Sarvatra, Sarvottam, Suraksha’, or ‘everywhere, the best, security’, the NSG emphasizes a philosophy of swift and speedy strikes and immediate withdrawal from action scenes.
Responsibilities and Training of NSG
The NSG is entrusted with tackling all aspects of terrorism across the country as a Federal Contingency Force. Its operatives are trained to undertake a range of counter-terrorist tasks, including and not limited to, counter hijacking operations on land, sea, and air; bomb disposal and IED neutralization; Post Blast Investigation (PBI); and hostage rescue missions.
Often referred to as ‘Black Cat Commandos’ by the media due to their distinctive black uniforms and black cat insignia, these highly skilled NSG personnel are a testament to India’s resilience against terrorism.
Historical Missions Undertaken by NSG
| Mission Name | Location | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Operation Black Thunder | Golden Temple, Amritsar | 1986 & 1988 |
| Operation Ashwamedh | Indian Airlines Flight-IC427 hijacking, India | 1993 |
| Operation Thunderbolt or Vajra Shakti | Akshardham Temple attack, Gujarat | 2002 |
| Operation Black Tornado | Mumbai Blasts | 2008 |
The Legacy of the National Security Guard
With its formation anchored in historical events of national importance and its functioning pivoted on responding to modern-day threats, the NSG remains an integral force in ensuring India’s internal security. Over the years, their committed service has greatly contributed to maintaining peace and order within the country, safeguarding both civilian lives and national interests.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024