NSG’s black cat commandos may march at Republic Day parade for the 1st time in history
NSG’s black cat commandos
For the first time in the history of Republic Day celebrations, the ‘black cat’ commandos of the elite counter-terror force NSG may march down Rajpath in full armed gear on January 26, 2017.
According to PTI, a decision regarding the same has been taken after a meeting between the Union Home and Defence Ministries.
Following the meeting, the National Security Guard (NSG) headquarters in New Delhi has begun preparations to choose a contingent of about 60 commandos to showcase its prowess and commando-style fast march past.
“This would be the first time when the federal contingency force would participate in the Republic Day events by marching down Rajpath. The first clearances have been issued and hopefully the NSG contingent will march,” officials said.
The commandos will be dressed in their trademark black coloured overalls, balaclava headgear and special assault rifles MP-5 along with the iconic commando dagger during the march at Rajpath.
The NSG contingent is expected to include commandos from both the army and paramilitary-based units of the force, stationed at their garrison in Manesar. Some regular paramilitary contingents, however, may not be included like last year.
While the iconic Border Security Force camel and band contingent has been given a go ahead, the contingent of border guarding Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) may not be present.
“While the CRPF’s special anti-riot unit RAF and Central Industrial Security Force contingents have been included, the inclusion of Indo-Tibetan Border Polices’ squad is still uncertain and SSB may be a no show.
“Last time, the Central Armed Police Forces squad at Rajpath did not have ITBP, CISF and SSB contingents,” they said.
Senior commanders of the SSB and ITBP have already requested the Home Ministry to take up the matter of the inclusion of their contingents with the Defence Ministry, the nodal authority for conduct of January 26 celebrations at Rajpath.
Established in 1984, following Operation Blue Star, the NSG is a special unit of the Indian Special Forces. It was formed to undertake counter-terror and counter-hijack operations across the country.
With PTI inputs
