As head of the government, a prime minister who leads the operations of the government and the country, his/her safety is the most important task for the responsible security officials. If you¡¯ve ever seen the Indian Prime Minister attend a public event, you must have noticed a super-tight security cover around him.
The Indian Prime Minister¡¯s security is entrusted to the country¡¯s highly skilled premier security force, the Special Protection Guard (SPG).
These commandos always wear black glasses and one of them carries a suitcase with him. To a curious mind, it must have occurred why do they do so? So to give you an insight, here¡¯s everything about this special force and what is in the briefcase of the PM bodyguards and what they do with it.
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Special Protection Group (SPG) is entrusted with the task of providing proximate security to the Prime Minister of India, former Prime Minister and their immediate family members. Since its inception in the year 1985, SPG has provided security to its protectees at their office and residence, during local functions and during internal as well as external tours.
Special Protection Group (SPG) works on the motto of "Zero Error" and "Culture of Excellence". SPG personnel have always discharged their duties and responsibilities with devotion, dedication, hard work and courage within India and in foreign territories. Each SPG personnel dedicate himself completely to uphold the integrity of the nation and the spirit behind SPG motto "Shauryam Samarpanam Surakshanam" (i.e. bravery, devotion and protection).
SPG has earned a name for itself on account of dedicated commitment and high levels of professionalism. The professional acumen of SPG personnel in protecting its protectees has been widely appreciated.
In view of the prevailing security environment in the country and the threats emanating from trans-national terrorism, the force has to constantly strive towards technological modernization and skill up-gradation. The future is bound to demand constant changes in our organization, in our administrative system, in our recruitment process and in our training. Protecting the SPG protectees on a 24x7 basis for years continuously makes this unique force versatile.
The Special Protection Group Act of 1988 provides for the constitution and regulation of an armed force of the Union for providing proximate security to the Prime Minister of India and the former Prime Ministers of India and members of their immediate families and for matters connected therewith.
People have different opinions about what's in this briefcase. Some say that they have the codes of nuclear control all the time, others differ. Anyway, the black briefcase is actually a protective bulletproof shield for VIPs like our PM. It provides immediate and temporary protection during emergencies. This nuclear briefcase of India looks like armour and opens up like a protective wall. The briefcase assures NIJ level 3 ballistic protection to VIPs. So, when you want to open the shield, you have to pull it downward. The brief shield also contains a gun which is also used for security purposes. Apart from this, it also carries other essential documents and a secret pocket to carry a pistol.
Along with the briefcase, you must have noticed that SPG commandos always keep black glasses to mislead the attackers about their suspicion.??
The Special Protection Group also provides security to international guests who visit the country. SPG commanders are appointed by the Central Armed Police Forces and they come under Cabinet Secretariat.
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