For the first time, National Security Guard (NSG) commandos may march down the Rajpath in full armed gear during the Republic Day celebrations on January 26.
Following this, the National Security Guard (NSG) headquarters 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.
Till now, the troops of Army’s Para Special Forces were the only commando force to take part in the Rajpath during the January 26 celebrations.
Once at Rajpath, the ‘black cats’ will reflect a dashing sheen to the parade as they will be dressed in their trademark black overalls, balaclava headgear and special assault rifles MP-5 along with the iconic commando dagger.
The NSG contingent is expected to include commands from both the army and paramilitary-based units of the force, stationed at their garrison in Manesar near here.
Apart from NSG, CRPF’s anti-riot unit, Rapid Action Force, is also likely to be part of January 26 event where Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, will be the chief guest.
However, it is expected that like last year, some regular paramilitary contingents may not be included this time too.
While the iconic BSF camel and band contingent has been given a go-ahead for inclusion in the parade that straddles down from the citadel of power at Raisina hills to the 17th century-built monument Red Fort, the contingent of border guarding Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) may miss the show.
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.
The NSG, raised in 1984, is the federal force to undertake counter-terror and counter-hijack operations across the country and till now it was associated with the Republic Day celebrations by way of providing its crack teams for special combat deployment around the parade route and sanitising it by the deployment of snipers.
About 300 NSG commandoes were deployed to neutralise terrorists in the Pathankot airbase this January. They were also effectively used during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack in 2008.
