241 commandos each to man four new NSG hubs

The four National Security Guard hubs, getting operational next week, will have 241 commandos each for counter-terrorist and anti-hijack operations. While the Mumbai hub of the National Security Guard will become functional on June 30, after being formally inaugurated by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, those in Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata will be operational on July 1.

The hubs at Kolkata and Hyderabad would also be upgraded to the status of "regional centres" soon and the commando strength at these centres would be more than the Mumbai and Chennai bases, NSG sources said today. "A cohesive unit, comprising army and paramilitary commandos, has been stationed at all these hubs. The commando strength will be 241 personnel at each of these hubs," they said.

The elite "Black Cat" force, headed by Director General N P S Aulakh, has already transported its men and material to all these hubs."The logistical support and the weaponry has reached the hubs, which have been furnished with necessary infrastructure related to communications and troop bunkers," they said.

Till training facilities are developed at the new hubs, fully trained commandos from NSG's Manesar garrison would be deputed to man these centres. The decision to set up regional NSG hubs was taken in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.