India is reinforcing its anti-terror capabilities with a ₹141 crore (approximately $17 million USD) National Security Guard (NSG) training center. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the government's "zero tolerance" policy towards terrorism at the 41st Raising Day of the NSG in Manesar, Haryana.
The new Special Operations Training Centre (SOTC) will provide advanced training to NSG personnel and state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) units, equipping them with cutting-edge technology and tactics to combat terrorism. Shah laid the foundation stone for the SOTC, emphasizing the Modi government's commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and safeguarding national security through strategic, legislative, and operational initiatives.
Shah credited the NSG's legacy from Operation Ashwamedh to Operation Sindoor, asserting that India's security is in capable hands. He highlighted the government's comprehensive approach to tackling terrorism, including amendments to the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) and NIA (National Investigation Agency) Act to strengthen investigative powers. The Home Minister also noted the activation of the PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to crack down on terror funding.
The government has banned the Popular Front of India (PFI) and declared more than 57 individuals and several organizations as terrorist entities. Enhanced coordination through CCTV and Netgrid systems, along with strengthened Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) for coordinated intelligence gathering, further bolsters the anti-terror grid.
Shah stated that the government has dealt firmly with challenges such as terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, Left Wing Extremism, and insurgency in the Northeast. He pointed out a 70% reduction in deaths due to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir under the current government, with a sharp decline in terror incidents.
The Home Minister emphasized that "zero tolerance against terrorism" is not just a slogan but a principle implemented on the ground. He lauded the armed forces for striking directly at terrorist strongholds through surgical strikes, air strikes, and Operation Sindoor. Operation Sindoor involved security forces destroying terrorist headquarters, launching pads, and training centers. Shah also praised Operation Mahadev, where security personnel precisely neutralized attackers, boosting public confidence in India's counter-terrorism capabilities.
In addition to the new training center, the NSG has already established six hubs in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Jammu. An additional hub will be established in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The NSG, as a federal contingency force, is specially equipped and trained to handle specific situations and is deployed in exceptional circumstances to thwart serious acts of terrorism. The NSG also conducts counter-terrorism drills across the country to sharpen coordination between the NSG and local police.
