National Security Guard (NSG) made their debut at the Republic Day parade yesterday. A contingent of some 60 commandos marched with pride in front of thousands of excited crowds. We know you enjoyed them marching very much.
But do you know why NSG is so much important? Let’s look into the history and operations of NSG:
The National Security Guards (NSG) was raised following the 1984 army led Operation Bluestar that caused not only to widespread damage to the Golden Temple complex but also poorly coordinated mission leading to high casualties for the army. Shortcomings and loopholes in that operation indicated that it was high time they needed a highly-specialized force for executing such operations with greater precision.
NSG was raised by the Cabinet Secretariat under the National Security Guard Act of 1985. Being well and extensively trained they are expert in from counter terrorism to hostage rescue operation, from explosive defusing to vvip security. They are one of the best counter terrorism unit in India. But their reputation as expert in handling hostage rescue operations has given them a worldwide reputation.
How much better they are from a normal conventional soldier (no question on his capability) and why the terrorists fear them, let’s look at some of the examples:
During the unfortunate Operation Bluestar – 1984, around 10000 armed forces members with the support of tanks, apcs, field gun etc. tried to remove militant religious leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his militant armed followers from the complex buildings. The operation did not go smooth. Per figures of Operation Blue Star given by Major General Kuldip Singh Brar put the number of deaths among the Indian army at 83 dead and 249 injured. According to the official estimate presented by the Indian government, 493 militants and civilians were killed.
Now see what was the result when NSG intervened in similar situations:
- In 1986 and 1988 NSG were sent to handle the 1984-like situations. In two different operations, Black Thunder I and Black Thunder II, NSG exterminated at least 41. Around 500 terrorists were either captured or they surrendered. And NSG faced not a single casualty. Such a huge success!
- In 1990, National Security Guard rescued hostages of a Thai airbus by Burmese students.
- In 1993, NSG came to lime light of world military enthusiast when they rescued 141 passengers of Airlines Boeing 737. Known as Operation Ashwamedh, in this, just 14 NSG members rescued entire crew and passengers unharmed, took out all the three (or two, based on sources) terrorists within just 12 seconds! This is one of the quickest (if not the quickest) aircraft hostage rescue operations around the world. Before the terrorists could find out what was going on they were already dead!
- In 1999, NSG commandos rescued 12 hostages unharmed in J&K in a 30-hour long operation.
- We all know how was the situation during 26/11. Many military strategists admit that National Security Guard operation was almost a disaster. But don’t forget that operation was World’s one of the largest hostage rescue operation. Rescuing such a huge no of hostages is a matter of pride.
Here we presented just a few. But National Security Guard has conducted 105 (most probably) operations. And despite of their involvement in such a huge no of operations, the casualties suffered by NSG is surprisingly low, very low. 5 commandos have been martyred till now. Any loss of lives of commandos is really sad. But their casualty average is very low comparing to other forces (though their roles are different)
With a glorious history, indomitable mental strength and legendary bravery have made NSG a force upon whom all Indians can take pride.
सर्वत्र सर्वोत्तम सुरक्षा
Omnipresent Omnipotent Defense
JAI HIND