Naxal threat: Raman Singh gets Z plus NSG cover

Chief Minister Raman Singh will get 'Z plus' protection with NSG commandos throwing a security cordon around him in Chhattisgarh which witnessed heightened Naxal threat after the killing of top Congress leaders.

A special squad drawn from the VIP security squad of the Black Cat commandos has recently "taken position" to guard him whenever he is mobile in the state and its capital Raipur, official sources said.

Three detachments of eight commandos each have recently been deployed for securing the protectee 24x7 when he moves anywhere in the state, especially in Naxal-hit and interior areas.

The squad has been provided accommodation in Raipur and the facilities are being enhanced.

A security assessment and analysis conducted by central security agencies underlined the need for special armed security for Singh during his movements, especially during his 'Vikas Yatra' in the state ahead of Assembly polls.

National Security Guard commandos deployed with Singh are, however, facing problems in accompanying him in areas where he travels by helicopter and the 'black cats' have to travel by road to catch up with their protectee.

"The roads are not motorable as they are mined and hence it is difficult to send these commandos every time the CM travels to interior Naxal hotbeds," an official said.

Suggesting a solution, he said some occupants in the CM's chopper could be replaced by commandos who can travel with him all the time.

The commandos are armed with sophisticated MP5 guns and modern communication gadgets and each member of the team are adept in martial arts and unarmed combat skills.

NSG provides mobile security to 17 VVIPs under while local police takes care of the protectees' security when he or she reaches a location.