Special force to counter terrorism

Handpicked constables undergoing training

A special force of commandos to counter terrorism has been created in all cities and districts in the State and young constables handpicked from the Tamil Nadu Special Police battalions are undergoing training designed for the purpose by the Tamil Nadu Commando Force in consultation with the National Security Guard (NSG).

Sophisticated weapons

The Quick Reaction Team (QRT) will be armed with sophisticated weapons.

“In the first phase, QRTs from 14 districts are undergoing training. They will be deployed at the venue of the World Classical Tamil Conference at Coimbatore in June. By the end of the year, all cities and districts in the State will have the commando teams operational,” Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) K. Radhakrishnan told The Hindu on Thursday.

Since the Tamil Nadu Commando Force stationed in Chennai was meant for countering urban terrorism, the government had issued instructions to raise Special Forces in tier two and three cities.

Round-the-clock

“Commandos of the QRT will not be deployed for routine policing. Each team, comprising 35 personnel, will be divided into three groups. While one group led by an officer in the rank of an Inspector will be available round-the-clock, the other two teams will study the topography of vital installations, areas of public gathering and other possible targets of terrorist attacks,” he said.

Mr. Radhakrishnan said the expertise of the NSG was taken while devising the training module.

“Immediate intervention is essential in the event of any emergency…we need special trained personnel to handle such situations. The Chennai Police and Chennai Suburban Police will also have a QRT each.”

He said in the event of any threat or attack, the local Deputy Commissioner of Police (in city) and Deputy Superintendent of police (in district) would automatically assume the responsibility of Incident Commander.

Local police would provide support such as cordoning off the disturbed area, moving the injured to hospitals, traffic regulation and media management.

Mr. Radhakrishnan said there was no specific threat of any terrorist attack in the State and the exercise was only to enhance the level of preparedness of police to handle exigencies.