Govt’s crack anti-terror troops to come with Israeli markings

The four battalions, comprising handpicked men from the Central Industrial Security Force, will form a crucial part of the Disaster Management Authority to be set up under the Ministry of Home Afairs at a cost of Rs 1,500 crore.

The modalities have been finalised and are pending approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). ‘‘The issue will come up before the Cabinet within this month,’’ confirmed Home Secretary N. Gopalaswami.

Sources say the Cabinet has already discussed the issue and had then suggested some changes in the structure of the disaster management group. The changes have been incorporated.

The trained men will be placed at strategic locations in the country from where they can move swiftly to any place where they are required. The places are yet to be finalised but sources say Delhi and Srinagar could be two such locations.

With India battling terrorism for more than a decade now, the need was for not only a cogent anti-terrorist policy but also a specialised team to tackle crisis situations. ‘‘And with terrorists increasingly using modern warfare and technology, it was decided to have a commando team specially trained in countering weapons of mass destruction including chemical, nuclear and biological warfare. There is no other country better equipped than Israel to impart anti-terrorist training,’’ sources said.

Most of the training related to counter-terrorism would be carried out in Israel or in close cooperation with that country.

Some courses, especially those dealing with nuclear warfare, would be conducted in the United States, and part of the training — to handle natural calamities like earthquakes, which will be part of the special force’s duties — will be in the United Kingdom.

Israel was a natural ally for India as far as the issue of tackling terrorism is concerned.

‘‘After all, they have been coping with terrorism, both at their borders and internally, ever since their country was born’’, said a Government official, adding they have almost perfected their anti-terrorist strategy.