What Did the NSG Do During the Counter-Hijack Exercise at Kolkata Airport?
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Synopsis
The NSG conducted a vital counter-hijack and counter-terrorism exercise at Kolkata's airport, showcasing the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies in ensuring aviation security against potential threats.
Key Takeaways
- Enhanced inter-agency coordination is vital for aviation security.
- Simulated scenarios prepare teams for real-world threats.
- Collaboration among various security agencies ensures passenger safety.
- Regular exercises bolster crisis management protocols.
- Preparedness is key in addressing potential hijack or terrorism threats.
Kolkata, July 20 (NationPress) The National Security Guard (NSG) executed a comprehensive joint counter-hijack and counter-terrorism drill at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBI) in Kolkata.
The operation, which took place during the night of July 18-19, was carefully organized in collaboration with multiple airport stakeholders and security entities to assess readiness against a complex security threat, as per NSCBI sources.
“As part of the counter-hijack exercise, a fictional hijack scenario involving an A320 aircraft with crew and 75 dummy passengers was initiated at 21.34 hours on July 18 when the air traffic control (ATC) received an emergency alert from the ‘hijacked’ aircraft. The aerodrome committee was promptly assembled, and the aircraft was moved to the isolation bay for containment,” revealed an NSCBI insider.
In the initial phase of the exercise, the rapid response teams of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) secured the aircraft while officials from the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) engaged in negotiations with the hijackers to mitigate the situation.
“When negotiations broke down, the NSG Counter Hijack Task Force (CHTF) initiated a synchronized operation to storm the aircraft. This operation resulted in the successful 'rescue' of all dummy passengers and crew, as well as the 'neutralization' of the simulated hijackers. This segment of the exercise wrapped up at 02.15 hours on July 19,” the NSCBI source stated.
At the same time, he indicated that a counter-terrorism exercise commenced around 21.00 hours on July 18, simulating an armed attack on AAI operational offices, where 12 staff members were taken hostage and the building's power supply was disrupted.
During this exercise, the Special Task Force (STF) commandos of West Bengal Police cordoned off the area and attempted entry but faced significant resistance and simulated casualties.
“After the hijack scenario concluded, the NSG Task Force was deployed to manage the hostage situation. Following a thorough briefing from the STF, the NSG team executed a coordinated tactical operation, neutralized six simulated terrorists, and successfully rescued all hostages. This operation ended at 04.25 hours on July 19,” the insider added.
According to him, these exercises were designed to validate response protocols, inter-agency coordination, and crisis management strategies in high-pressure situations involving civil aviation security. The collaboration among AAI, CISF, ATC, Airlines, State Police, IB, MHA, and NSG ensured the overall success of the exercise.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the significance of collaborative security exercises like this one. The NSG's counter-hijack and counter-terrorism drills not only enhance our preparedness but also reinforce public trust in our security mechanisms. These exercises reflect a proactive approach to safeguarding our civil aviation, ensuring that we are always a step ahead in crisis management.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the NSG exercise?
The NSG conducted the exercise to validate response mechanisms, inter-agency coordination, and crisis management protocols in high-stakes scenarios involving civil aviation security.
When did the exercise take place?
The exercise occurred on the night of July 18-19.
Who participated in the exercise?
Participants included the NSG, CISF, ATC, Airlines, State Police, IB, and MHA.
How was the hijack scenario executed?
A simulated hijack of an A320 aircraft was initiated, involving 75 dummy passengers. The NSG's Counter Hijack Task Force launched an operation to successfully rescue all passengers.
What other scenarios were included in the exercise?
A separate counter-terrorism scenario simulated an armed attack on AAI operational offices, where 12 staff members were taken hostage.
