Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 03 October 2024
In a significant effort to enhance security readiness, mock drills simulating various anti-terrorism scenarios were successfully conducted under the GANDIV-VI exercise, the annual National Counter Terror exercise organised by the National Security Guard (NSG). The drills took place from October 1 to 2, 2024, in Sri Vijaya Puram and involved multiple stakeholders, including Andaman & Nicobar Administration, National Security Guard (NSG), Andaman and Nicobar Command, Indian Coast Guard, MARCOS, and the Andaman and Nicobar Police.
The exercise simulated a range of potential terrorist threats, such as live bomb blasts, vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (IEDs), hostage situations, and the hijacking of the vessel Sindhu. These scenarios were designed to assess the readiness and coordination among various agencies in responding to complex terror-related incidents.
Key locations for the drills included critical installations throughout Sri Vijaya Puram, such as the Gandhi Statue at Aberdeen Bazaar, Bathu Basti Parking, near Icy Spicy in Junglighat market, Sinclair Hotel, ISPW Secretariat, Cellular Jail, JNRM College, Veer Savarkar International Airport (VSI Airport), ISTRAC at Dollygunj, and Haddo Wharf
Participants engaged in realistic simulations featuring controlled detonations and mock attacks, providing them with practical experience in tactical operations, hostage rescue, and bomb disposal procedures. The hijacking scenario of Vessel Sindhu involved coordinated responses from marine and land-based forces.
The exercise commenced at noon on October 1 and concluded successfully at 9:00 AM on October 2, underscoring the operational preparedness of all involved agencies. It also highlighted the critical importance of collaboration in addressing potential threats to the region.
The GANDIV-VI exercise not only showcased the high-level synergy between participating agencies but also reaffirmed their collective commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.