NSG to get high tech new weapons to fight terror: Chidambaram

The process of inducting state-of-the-art weapons for for the National Security Guard (NSG) is in the final stages, Home Minister P. Chidambaram said Friday while detailing the steps being taken to give the anti-terrorism force the extra edge.

"We have authorised NSG requisition of civil aircrafts. NSG is in the process of inducting high-technology and new weapons. The process of inducting sophisticated state-of-the-art weapons is in the final stages," Chidambaram said during the 25th Raising Day celebrations of NSG here.

The decision holds significance in light of the Mumbai terror strike last year when NSG commandos, headquartered in Manesar near the national capital, could reach Mumbai only seven hours later.

The delay could have been avoided if senior officials had been empowered to requisition aircraft from any operator.

"After 26/11, the role of NSG has been redefined. We have established four hubs at Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata and two regional centres with an essential force of 5,000 each," Chidambaram said.

Praising the role played by the elite force in its 25 years of existence, Chidambaram said: "How can we forget Operation Black Thunder... when the siege on the Golden Temple was lifted in 1988 and Operation Vajra Shakti, when the Akshardham temple in Gujarat was saved in 2002."

"Today the country needs the NSG as an elite and well trained, fully equipped and always alert group of commandos in order to tackle the threat of terrorism," he added.

Last updated on Oct 16^th, 2009 at 12:46 pm IST--IANS