Black Cats conduct drills across Siliguri

Jayanta Gupta | TNN | Nov 12, 2017, KOLKATA: Crucial counter-terror and hostage rescue drills were held at several locations in Siliguri by NSG on Tuesday and Wednesday to identify vulnerabilities. NSG commandos later held discussions with senior officers of the Siliguri police commissionerate and recommended measures that should be taken to bolster security.

"NSG commandos flew in from Kolkata with special equipment in a special aircraft and conducted drills. Exercises were held at Bagdogra airport and the Science Centre that is visited by students regularly. This is the first time that we witnessed such drills and gained experience. Police forces in larger cities like Kolkata possess special equipment and get more opportunities to interact with specialists like the NSG commandos. Siliguri, due to its location, is very important and may turn into a target for terror outfits," a police officer said.

The commandos practised counter-terror and hostage rescue drills and briefed the police force on their role in such situations. The drills were as life-like as possible with hospitals and other emergency services being kept on alert.

"Both NSG and local police need to build up standard operating procedures that are to be followed during emergencies. Without SOPs, there is bound to be chaos and confusion. The police are to be the first responders during any crisis and their role is to contain the action to as few locations as possible. NSG gets to the spot later to neutralize the threat," an MHA official said.