Cobweb security

In wake of "fresh terror attacks" by terrorist outfits based in Pakistan, Indian Army is gearing up to create a strong anti-terror network across the country

Cobweb security

In wake of "fresh terror attacks" by terrorist outfits based in Pakistan, Indian Army is gearing up to create a strong anti-terror network across the country

Though India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would have asked for high alert in wake of "fresh terror attacks" by terrorist outfits based in Pakistan, Indian Army is leaving no stone unturned to enhance their security network.

The army has also conducted an extensive research to identify the cities and the location that are vulnerable terror targets. Meanwhile, sources in the army informed that hostage rescue and minimising collateral damage is an important part of the entire module. Some of the special forces units that have been assigned the tasks are 10 PARA SF and 9 PARA SF.

"It is important to have dedicated troops to carry out hostage rescue operations looking at the magnitude of terror attacks like in Mumbai," said an officer on condition of anonymity.

The primary task of preparing the training module and training other units has been assigned to Para SF units, which specialises in a number of special operations within the country as well as in the territory of enemies.

"These are some of the best trained units for several different kind of operations. While they are equipped with high caliber arms and ammunitions, they have already proved their mettle in several conflict zones," added the officer.

The trained commandos of these special forces units have already been deployed in various cities in sizeable lots. Some of these units are based in cities like Goa, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Agra, Chandigarh, Gandhinagar, Surat, Baroda, Jamnagar among others.

According to sources, the major locations within these cities have also been receed by these units. These regular infantry units, which will undergo training in the second round, will also get the specialized arms and ammunitions used by the SF commandos.

"Officers from the selected units have started their training with the SF units that have special courses designed for them. It will help these troops increase their mental and physical endurance and skills to tackle such crises," the sources said.

Presently, Indian Army has six special forces units, which are based in locations such as Udhampur and Jodhpur. "Officers and men from the infantry units will go back to their battalions and teach their own men the skills learned from SF units," added the source.

Men in action

Recently, Special Forces units of the Indian Army were commended for their work and commandos from these units were instrumental in foiling the infiltration attempts on the Line of Control (LoC). While 1 PARA SF killed a number have Pak based militants on the Hafruda forests (Jammu & Kashmir), the commandos of 10 PARA SF killed at least 14 terrorists in an operation conducted at the heights of 14,000 feet. The Special Forces also got Ashok Chakra and a number of other gallantry medals for their brave effort.

High alert
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh while addressing a gathering of top officers and bureaucrats from the country also warned of big terror strikes in the country similar to last year's Mumbai attack. While Indian Army is preparing its own anti-terror network other security and intelligence agencies too have asked to gear up for the challenge.

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