CM Himanta Salutes NSG Black Cats on Raising Day
Synopsis
Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma saluted NSG Black Cat commandos on their Raising Day, praising their courage, professionalism, and dedication to India's security while honouring those who made the supreme sacrifice.
Key Takeaways
CM Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma extended formal Raising Day greetings to NSG Black Cats on 16 October 2026 .
The tribute specifically honoured the martyrs of the National Security Guard alongside serving personnel.
The NSG , known as Black Cats, is India's elite federal counter-terrorism force under the Ministry of Home Affairs .
State chief ministers routinely acknowledge raising days of central paramilitary forces as a mark of solidarity with national-security institutions.
Dr Sarma has been a consistent voice on internal-security matters throughout his tenure as Assam's Chief Minister.
India's shadow warriors — the elite commandos who rappel from helicopters and breach hostage-hold sites in darkness — received a salute from Assam's top office on their Raising Day. Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, through the Chief Minister's Office of Assam, extended warm greetings to the personnel of the National Security Guard (NSG) on Friday, 16 October 2026, honouring both their service and the supreme sacrifices of the force's martyrs.
The post reads: 'HCM Dr Himanta Biswa extends warm greetings to the brave personnel of the NSG Black Cats on their Raising Day. The nation salutes their extraordinary courage, unmatched professionalism and unwavering dedication to safeguarding India, while honouring the supreme sacrifices of its brave martyrs.'
Who are the Black Cats India is saluting today
The National Security Guard is India's premier federal counter-terrorism force, raised under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Popularly known as the Black Cats for their distinctive black fatigues and balaclava hoods, the NSG specialises in counter-hijacking, counter-hostage, and special action operations that no conventional force is designed to handle. Its commandos undergo one of the most gruelling selection and training programmes in the country, with a washout rate that keeps the force lean, lethal, and operationally elite.A state chief minister's tribute to a central force
It is a well-established practice in Indian public life for state chief ministers to formally acknowledge the raising days of central paramilitary and special forces — a gesture that bridges federal lines and affirms solidarity with national-security institutions. Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has consistently positioned himself as a vocal advocate on internal-security and border-management issues, adds his voice to that tradition today. The tribute is notable for its specific mention of martyrs — a quiet but pointed acknowledgment that the NSG's record of valour carries a permanent human cost.Point of View
Who governs a state with complex internal-security dynamics on India's northeastern frontier, gestures of solidarity with elite national-security institutions carry added resonance. The explicit mention of martyrs elevates this beyond a routine courtesy — it signals awareness that the NSG's operational history is written partly in blood. Across India's federal landscape, such statements quietly reinforce the narrative that national security is a shared compact, not just a central-government prerogative.
NationPress
16 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NSG Raising Day and when is it celebrated?
NSG Raising Day marks the anniversary of the founding of the National Security Guard, India's elite federal counter-terrorism force. The exact date of the 2026 observance corresponds to the force's founding anniversary; state leaders and central government offices issue tributes each year on this occasion.
Who are the NSG Black Cats?
The NSG Black Cats are the commandos of the National Security Guard, India's premier counter-terrorism unit under the Ministry of Home Affairs. They are named for their all-black operational gear and are deployed for counter-hijacking, counter-hostage, and special action missions requiring extreme precision.
Why did Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma greet the NSG?
It is standard practice for Indian state chief ministers to issue formal greetings to central paramilitary and special forces on their raising days, acknowledging the forces' role in national security. Dr Sarma's statement also specifically honoured NSG martyrs who lost their lives in service.
What does the NSG do in India?
The National Security Guard is India's dedicated counter-terrorism force, handling operations such as aircraft hijackings, hostage rescues, and high-risk neutralisation missions. It is a federal force that can be deployed anywhere in India at the direction of the central government.
Is Himanta Biswa Sarma the current Chief Minister of Assam?
Yes, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma is the Chief Minister of Assam. He has been a prominent figure on northeastern governance and internal-security issues since assuming office.
