Police plans NSG-like training for small section of cops

Kolkata: The Kolkata police plans to train and equip its commandoes with helicopter operations in future to tackle any threat. This was informed by former Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal (retired) Arup Raha on Wednesday. 

Mr Raha was speaking at a programme of the National Security Guard (NSG) at Tollygunge Club on the occasion of the elite counter terror force’s 40-day motorcycle expedition covering 7000 kms by its 32 ‘Black Cat’ commandoes who arrived the city as part of their nationwide tour on “Fight Against Terrorism: A Collective Responsibility.”

He said, “Recently I was invited to Lalbazar, by police commissioner Rajeev Kumar. I interacted with him and some senior officers there. During the discussion the police commissioner mooted the idea of the police force of each state police force being trained in line of the NSG with its selected personnel and equipments and each police force having some helicopters if not more.”

Mr Raha observed, “The local police have better information about the local condition and intelligence than a specialised force. Therefore local knowledge is extremely important in tackling terror.” He also recalled the synery between the NSG, IAF and Indian Army in tackling terror strike at Pathankot airbase.

According to sources, the city police may opt for hiring a transport chopper for the training of its commandoes. The NSG motorbike expedition was flagged off by Union minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju on September 7 at NSG headquarters at Manesar to commemorate the foce's 33 years of service to the nation.