Army to train Punjab cops in tackling terror attacks

Chandigarh, February 5

In the wake of the Pathankot attack, select personnel of the Punjab Police will be given specialised training by the Army in tackling terror attacks in a better and effective manner.

The Army has offered to train Punjab Police personnel at its different facilities in Jalandhar, Pathankot, Zirakpur and Nahan, said an official release here.

A two-week training programme is being considered for nearly 20 young police officers for strengthening the SWAT team.

The Punjab Police are making all efforts to increase its preparedness to tackle any Pathankot-type incident in future and also strengthen its linkages with other security agencies, especially the Army, the release said.

Similarly, some officials will undertake the “GHATAK” Anti-Terrorist Operations Training Course, it said.

In addition, the Army has also agreed to enhance the expertise of the Punjab Police in handling IEDs, anti-sabotage and bomb disposal techniques.

The above courses are also expected to increase the co-operation and co-ordination between the two organisations, it said.

This move came as follow-up of the meeting between MK Tiwari, ADGP (HRD), Punjab, and Major General MP Singh, in-charge (Training), Western Command, it said.

In the terror attack at the Pathankot air base last month, which houses fighter jets and attack helicopters, seven security personnel were killed along with six militants. — PTI