NSG commandos to be deployed during Kumbh
HARIDWAR: For the first time, National Security Guards (NSG) commandos will be deployed in upcoming Mahakumbh fair in Haridwar, said officials.
In two phases, the NSG commandos will be arriving for Mahakumbh with the first team scheduled to reach by February end. The second team will land before the first Shahi Snaan (royal bath) of Maha Shivratri to be held on March 11.
Kumbh Mela Force had sought help from the elite National Security Guards for Kumbh fair keeping in mind the sensitivity of the mega fair and terror threat. The NSG has given green signal for the deployment of two NSG teams comprising 50 odd commandos in each of them.
Already a team led by National Security Guard Team Commander Mukul Chaudhary visited Haridwar last week and met Mela Force officials to assess and finalise the deployment of the commandos for the two-month long fair.
According to Kumbh Mela Force Inspector General Sanjay Gunjiyal, security aspect is of paramount importance during Kumbh and in this regard central para military forces and NSG commandos are being deployed.
“Central paramilitary forces and NSG commandos will be providing security cover in addition to Anti- Terrorist Squad, Special Task Force and Uttarakhand police. NSG deployment at sensitive and vital core mela zone will be done which will be finalized later according to security scenario and requirements. Kumbh Force is preparing for the mega fair taking into consideration varied aspects and intelligence inputs,” said Kumbh Mela Force Inspector General Sanjay Gunjiyal.
Notably, already 1,000 odd Kumbh force personnel from Uttarakhand police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) have arrived for Mahakumbh.
Meanwhile, verification drive is being carried out in the district, particularly in industrial areas, border villages with neighbouring state of UP.