‘Emerging Kerala’ may have been an opening for several investors, and for 30 youngsters belonging to the newly raised elite paramilitary commando unit of the Kerala Police Thunderbolt, it will be their first assignment from September 12-14 here.
Dressed in camouflage uniform, carrying AK 47, these 30 youths will be leading the security cover for the guests coming from across the world.
According to IG K Padmakumar, Thunderbolt has taken over the venues. “The commando unit has taken charge of the security system, and they will monitor security arrangements of the delegates at the venue,” he said.
Apart from the police, the Home Minister demanded the deployment of Thunderbolt for ‘Emerging Kerala’. The minister wanted a high-level security system led by well-trained commandos.
The official in charge of the commando unit said that they have been trained to safeguard the guests. About 160 persons of the Thunderbolt unit had passed out in the last week of August, and it is their first major assignment.
“The SPG will look into the security of the Prime Minister while Thunderbolt will be protecting the guests. The commandos will work under IG Padmakumar,” the official said. The commando wing has been trained with the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and other Central forces like the National Security Guard for 18 months.
“They were given exposure to anti-insurgency operations with military and para-military forces in the North Eastern states. The commando group has also been trained to handle advanced weapons and explosives. They had undergone special training in Krav Maga, the martial art form used by the Israeli army,” the official said.