NSG to Conduct Security Audit for Z-Plus VIPs After Abdullah Attack

The National Security Guard (NSG) plans a thorough security review for Z-plus category VIPs after an assassination attempt on Farooq Abdullah. The elite commando force protects nine VIPs, ensuring their safety with a specialised team. The NSG will report its findings to local police authorities for further action.

The National Security Guard (NSG) is set to execute a comprehensive security audit of all Z-plus category high-risk VIPs after an assassination attempt on Farooq Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, officials announced Thursday. The elite 'Black Cats' commando force currently oversees the safety of nine VIPs, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.

Standard operating procedures dictate that the force provides mobile security during transit and deploys a specialised Close Protection Team (CPT) of four commandos when a dignitary is within an indoor venue, like a banquet hall or convention centre. Officials informed PTI that such audits are routine after any ''extraordinary incident'' involving an NSG protectee.

'The security audit will be initiated. While the NSG is responsible for the immediate safety of the protectee, local police and other agencies must sanitize the venue to prevent entry by armed individuals,' an official mentioned. Following the audit, the NSG will communicate findings and possible lapses to appropriate local police authorities. On Wednesday, Abdullah narrowly avoided injury when a gunman opened fire in Jammu. Quick action from a police official and an NSG commando intercepted the attacker, and Abdullah was swiftly evacuated.