Maharashtra's elite force operational two days before 26/11 anniversary

Force One, Maharashtra's own elite security force designed on the lines of the National Security Guard (NSG), was commissioned Tuesday, just two days before the 26/11 anniversary. It is specifically trained to tackle terrorism challenges and will "always remain one step ahead of the terrorists", Chief Minister Ashok Chavan said here.

Force One will help make Mumbai more secure and complement the efforts of the other security agencies in the city, including the police, the quick response teams and Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Chavan said while launching the elite force.

"Force One shall be provided with all the required equipment, infrastructure and facilities to enable them to carry out their duties effectively," Chavan assured.

Congratulating the authorities for setting it up in less than a year after the Mumbai terror attacks, Chavan said: "We have fulfilled our promise to the people of the state".

On the occasion, the chief minister also promised that the state home department would be given more money for security purposes, special schemes would be made for the families of those kileld in 26/11, and there would be more housing schemes for the city police.

Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said that the police in Mumbai have always stood up and tackled all kinds of challenges effectively.

"The new Force One is another step in the direction and shall help Mumbaikars feel more secure," he said.

Addressing the gathering, ATS chief K.P. Raghuvanshi said that Force One would live up to expectations and would always remain prepared to tackle the challenges of terror.

Force One's headquarters and training centre is located in a 100-acre campus inside the lush green Aarey Milk Colony at Goregaon in north-west Mumbai.

The need for a special force on the lines of the NSG was felt after the Nov 26, 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai killed 166 people.

The new force has 256 officers and men, headed by an officer of the rank of deputy inspector-general.

Last updated on Nov 24^th, 2009 at 11:50 am IST--IANS