In an apparent indication of the thinking within the
ministry of home affairs (MHA) that VIP security should be gradually moved away
from NSG, the country's elite counterterror force, CISF is strengthening its
VIP protection unit to become the premier agency in the sector in near future.
There are already efforts being made to increase manpower in the unit with MHA
considering a proposal for the same.
CISF DG Arvind Ranjan said he has asked MHA to sanction more
number of personnel in the unit. At the same time, rigorous training is being
provided to personnel in the unit with help from NSG and armed forces trainers.
CISF is regularly holding joint exercises with NSG to adopt best practices in
VIP security from the force.
Ranjan said, "We are aiming to make CISF the best force
for VIP security. We want to create a sense of security in the minds of VIPs so
that they have no hesitation taking CISF security."
Importantly, VIPs are
known to demand NSG security, also known as Black Cat commandoes, as VIP cover
as it is the best trained force in the country. However, NSG was not created
for VIP security but to counter terror attacks. There have been various voices
raised from within the force and the security establishment that NSG must be
divested of VIP security duties and focus on its core competence.
Incidentally, Ranjan headed NSG before he was made CISF
chief. Speaking to TOI, he said, "We have also asked for a periodic review
of strength in our VIP security unit so that the force has optimum strength at
any given to provide VIP security."
Sources said the force was also being given unarmed combat
training so that when VIPs interact with public and there is sudden unarmed
attack, the VIP can be protected without the use of weapons. "Not all
times you need to use weapons. Certain situations are best diffused with bare
hands," said an officer with the force.
Source: http://defence.pk/threads/cisf-prepares-to-become-nsg-substitute-for-vip-security.319272/
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