NSG conducts mock drill at Gurgaon school to counter terror attacks in schools

Indian security force continued to be in a state of full preparedness as National Security Guard (NSG or black cat commandos) undertook a mock drill at Shri Ram School in Gurugram.

The exercise was carried out at the midnight to avoid interference with the school schedule. Utmost secrecy was maintained as the mock drill took place. The practice drill was conducted to exercise securing buildings from the terrorists, thwarting any attempt at possible destruction or taking hostages.

Terrorists globally have at many times chosen to attack the schools world over to further their deadly agenda. 150 people comprising 132 students were massacred on December 16, 2014 when Taliban suicide bombers stormed a school in Peshawar.

The school was run by the Pakistani army. The terrorists took hostages, including teachers and the principal of the school, and used them as human shield during the assault. The standoff with the security forces ended after eight grueling hours.

Another notable incident was in Beslan, Russia. 32 terrorists stormed the school building and laid a 3 day siege that resulted in 300 casualties including 186 children.

The NSG says that though there is no intelligence input of such an attack on Indian Schools, the mock drill was carried out to familiarize the commandos with any eventuality, especially involving small children.

The force is also preparing different set of scenario's like neutralizing a lone wolf attacker or a scenario involving multiple attackers in multiple locations.

While several schools have in the past approached the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), another paramilitary force for security of schools, the nod was never given by Union Home Ministry the parent ministry of the force.

In a latest move though, CISF has offered to provide consultancy at a cost.