Context:
Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has established a permanent National Security Guard (NSG) hub in Jammu City to counter major terror attacks.
National Security Guard (NSG):
- A special force in India primarily utilized for counter-terrorism activities.
- Provides a 2nd line of defense for the nation.
- Establishment – Raised in 1984 following Operation Blue Star and the assassination of Indira Gandhi.
- Formally created by the National Security Guard Act of 1986.
- Known as “Black Cats” due to their black uniforms and black cat insignia
- Operates under – Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Motto – “Sarvatra Sarvottama Suraksa” (Everywhere, Always the Best Security).
- Headquarters – New Delhi
- Director General (DG) who serves as the head of NSG, is selected by the Home Ministry, and is typically an officer from the Indian Police Service (IPS).
- Structure –
- Special Action Group (SAG) – Comprising Army personnel, this is the main offensive wing.
- Special Ranger Group (SRG) – Comprising personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and State Police Forces.
Key Functions and Roles:
- Counter-Terrorism – Neutralization of terrorist threats and handling hijacking situations on land and in the air.
- Bomb Disposal – Search, detection, and neutralization of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
- Post-Blast Investigation (PBI) – Conducting investigations after bomb blasts.
- Hostage Rescue – Specialized in rescuing hostages in various scenarios.
- VIP Security – Provides security to high-profile individuals.
- Notable Operations –
- Operation Black Thunder – Anti-Khalistani operation in the late 1980s.
- Operation Ashwamedh – Hijack rescue mission in 1993.
- Operation Vajra Shakti – Akshardham Temple attack response in 2002.
- Operation Black Tornado – Response to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008.
Read about Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Border Security Force
Source: Indian Defence Research Wing
Previous Year Question
With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements:
1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards Act and Rules of the Central Government.
2. The role of the Home Guards is to serve as an auxiliary force to the police in maintenance of internal security.
3. To prevent infiltration on the international border/coastal areas, the Border Wing Home Guards Battalions have been raised in some States.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards Act and Rules of the States/Union Territories.