Gujarat has sought Central nod for as many as 111 anti-terror Quick Response Teams (QRTs), armed with hi-tech weapons, even armoured vehicles. These QRTs, working in three shifts, will be on call 24x7 and will be deployed across the state.

The QRTs, senior police officials said, will comprise highly trained men from the Anti-Terrorist Assault Squads (ATAS). These mobile teams will remain within reach of sensitive locations and likely terror targets. Their positions, officials said, will keep changing so that the surprise element is maintained. The Special Operations Group (SOG) of the state Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) will be given the task of briefing, monitoring and coordinating QRTs.

“Special QRTs with modern weaponry and well-trained commandos to combat terrorism may be in place by the end of this financial year,” Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Sudhir Sinha said.

A typical QRT will have six commandos. The team will be headed by a Sub-Inspector with a Head Constable as second-in-command. Three constables will be “fighter operators” while the sixth member — a constable driver — will also be “combatized”. The state police also plan to provide armoured vehicles with NIJ Level III protection to all QRTs.

Each fighter operator will have a semi-automatic pistol as a personal side arm. The team firepower will essentially be three submachine guns and two assault rifles. Tactical features like red dot self-powered optical sighting systems, three-point tactical slings, full coverage body armour tactical vests, helmets of NIJ Level III protection will be provided in addition to gas masks, fire retardant gear, gloves, eyewear and tactical boots.

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