40th Raising Day of National Security Guard

On October 16, 2024, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, commemorated the 40th Raising Day of the National Security Guard (NSG), praising the bravery and dedication of its personnel. In a heartfelt message on social media platform X, he stated, “On the 40th Raising Day of National Security Guard, we salute the valor, dedication, and unwavering spirit of our brave soldiers. Their relentless efforts ensure the safety and security of our nation. We honor their service and commitment in defending India from all threats. Jai Hind!”

Saluting the Bravehearts

Prime Minister of India and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also acknowledged the dedication of NSG personnel. They highlighted the unit’s motto, “Sarvatra Sarvottam Suraksha,” emphasizing NSG’s expertise in counter-terrorism and swift response operations. Gadkari further noted the importance of NSG in maintaining national security, referring to it as the “Zero-Error Force” specifically deployed for critical anti-terrorist activities.

A Legacy of Excellence

The NSG was established on October 16, 1984, in the aftermath of Operation Blue Star, aimed at eliminating Sikh extremists from the Golden Temple of Amritsar. The operation underscored the need for a dedicated force to handle terrorism. Following a bill presented to Parliament in August 1986, the NSG officially came into existence on September 22, 1986. Today, it remains a vital force in India’s security landscape, committed to safeguarding the nation from various threats.

National Security Guard (NSG): Key Points

Formation Date: Established on October 16, 1984, after Operation Blue Star.

Purpose: Created as a specialized counter-terrorism unit to combat terrorist threats and handle situations requiring extreme force.

Motto: “Sarvatra Sarvottam Suraksha,” meaning “Best Security Everywhere.”

Affiliation: Operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

Nature: Known as the “Zero-Error Force,” NSG is a rapid response unit deployed in exceptional circumstances to handle anti-terrorist operations.

Training: Personnel are highly trained in tactical operations, stealth missions, and crisis management.

• Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Conducting anti-terrorist operations.
  • Rescuing hostages.
  • Handling bomb disposal and hostage situations.
  • Conducting surveillance and intelligence operations.

Structure: Comprised of two main components:

• Special Action Group (SAG): Mainly made up of army personnel, trained for high-risk operations.
• Special Rangers Group (SRG): Composed of personnel from various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and State Police.

Notable Operations

• Operation Black Tornado (2008 Mumbai attacks).
• Various counter-terrorism operations across India.

Recognition: NSG has gained a reputation for its effectiveness in counter-terrorism and has been involved in numerous high-stakes operations.

Current Role: Continues to be a vital part of India’s security apparatus, addressing the evolving nature of threats faced by the nation.