NSG conducts anti-terror mock drill at VIT

NSG conducts mock drills at VIT to rehearse security and rescue operations in case of threats.

The National Security Guard (NSG) carried out mock drills on the spacious campus of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) on Sunday to rehearse security and rescue operations that might be needed in case of a threat.

The Superintendent of Police (SP) N. Mathivanan, who coordinated district police with NSG for the three-hour-long exercise, told The Hindu that the NSG officials, along with a team of commandos from Special Task Force police of Tamil Nadu police and district police, carried out a mock drill inside at Silver Jubilee Tower (SJT) building around 3 p.m.

The exercise, which was held for the first time in Vellore, simulated various terrorist attack scenarios happening in a shopping mall to provide a realistic experience for the responders. “Sunday was opted for the mock drill as the campus and the surrounding area will be less crowded. Around 250 security personnel including 50 from NSG were involved in the exercise,” said Mr. Mathivanan.

Hostel students witnessed the event. “Sudden blasts, smoke and people running into the building made us panic as we never witnessed such incidents on the campus,” said a student. 

The district police also issued an alert to the public not to panic on mock-drill after the videos of the exercise went viral. Senior police officers said that the primary goal of the exercise was to anticipate potential terrorist threats and rehearse the procedures required to activate an integrated terrorism crisis management mechanism.

The exercise involved the education institution, local administration and T.N. police as first responders, while the NSG acted as the final responding unit. The drill underscored the importance of cooperation and coordination among various agencies for swift emergency responses.

The focus of the drill was on anti-terrorism, hostage rescue, anti-IED (Improvised Explosive Device) operations, and the post-kidnapping rescue of individuals. Special strategies were developed for each scenario, ensuring they could be effectively applied in real-life situations.