The Bengal government has decided to set up its own elite special forces to tackle urban terrorism on the lines of National Security Guards.

The 1000-strong squad, to be based in Kolkata, will be given commando training and taught the usage of sophisticated weaponry. They will deal with terrorist attacks, handle hostage situations and protect the state’s vital installations.

The decision came following a high-level meeting held in the Writer’s Buildings in the aftermath of the November 26 terror attack in Mumbai. A formal cabinet nod is expected soon. “The government has verbally agreed to our proposal. The force is the need of the hour and will be a reality very shortly,” Gautam Mohan Chakrabarti, police commissioner told The Indian Express.

“The state police are not equipped to handle such crisis situations. In case of a terror attack, we need to deploy trained men with sophisticated weapons as the first mode of response,” said a senior officer of Kolkata police who was present in meeting.

Officials opined that even if NSG squads are posted in Kolkata as announced by the Centre, they will be under the Central command and it will take some vital time to deploy them as well.

Apart from fresh recruits, the best personnel of Kolkata police will be part of the force, said Chakrabarti. The squad will be under the command of a deputy commissioner.

Apart from BSF, the police are contacting the Army and the NSG to provide commando training to the personnel. “I can assure you that they will get the best training available in the country. They will have the most up to date weapons and equipment too,” added Chakrabarti.

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