By IANS,
New Delhi : Home Minister P. Chidamabaram Thursday acknowledged the National Security Guard (NSG) was the country’s “best trained and best equipped force” to combat terrorists but also admitted that it suffered poor logistics.
“The NSG is our best trained and best equipped force to counter a terrorist attack. On many occasions in the past – and in Mumbai too – they have displayed exceptional courage and skill,” he said while making a statement on the Nov 26 Mumabi terror attacks in the Lok Sabha.
“They are hampered by the distance between their headquarters and the airport; the absence of a dedicated aircraft; and the poor logistics in the theatre of operations.
“Nevertheless, once deployed, the NSG is a very effective counter terrorist force. I have initiated a number of steps to remove the logistical weaknesses in mobilising and deploying the NSG.”
“A decision has been taken to locate NSG units in a few regional hubs. A decision has also been taken to draw upon the commando units of the armed forces to create more regional hubs until a decision is taken to locate NSG units in those hubs too. These decisions will be implemented as expeditiously as possible. ”
A decision to deploy the NSG in Mumbai was taken at about 11.30 p.m. on Nov 26 after the Maharashtra government sought its deployment.
Chidambaram pointed out that a group of around 200 men, reinforced later, was airlifted to Mumbai late that night and was deployed at the various sites of the operation in the early hours of Nov 27.
The home minister said the operations were conducted under very difficult circumstances.
“The terrorists were heavily armed, there was a hostage situation, and the terrorists had the advantage of shield and height afforded by the tall buildings that they had entered.
“Nevertheless, through their patience, skill and bravery, the security forces were able to neutralise the terrorists and rescued hundreds of persons who had been trapped in the buildings.”