The elite commando force, also known as Black Cats, was raised in
1984 as a Federal Contingency Force for special counter-hijack and
counter-terrorist operations. The NSG, headquartered in Manesar
near Gurgaon, has the most agile men with ponderous backpacks and
sleek guns in its force.
An NSG shooter has to clock at least 85 per cent hits, otherwise he
is asked to pack up his bags.
The NSG has five combat divisions which include two Special Action
Groups (SAG), whose commandos are drawn from armed forces and are
in charge of anti-terrorist and anti-hijack operations. While one
specialises in bus, train and plane interventions, the other has
expertise in sniffing out militants.
Sources said the NSG has undertaken specialised training in jungle
warfare and even personnel from the US come to NSG headquarters for
training.
The force, formed by deputation from army and para-military forces,
was tested during Operation Black Thunder in Punjab in 1987. It
performed remarkably well.
Apart from training police and armymen from Sri Lanka, Myanmar,
Nepal and Mauritius, it has also trained 25 personal guards of Sri
Lankan president.
