Andaman police move to strengthen commando unit, boost training infrastructure

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 14 (PTI) The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Police is focusing on strengthening its commando unit to enhance combat readiness on land and at sea, including in adverse conditions and difficult terrain, officials said.

Currently, the force has 121 commandos, and a decision to further strengthen the unit has been taken in view of the strategic importance of the Islands, they said.

Recently, DGP HGS Dhaliwal inaugurated 10 newly constructed commando obstacles at the Police Training School (PTS) at Prothrapur here, marking a significant milestone in strengthening police training infrastructure in the archipelago.

"Realising the strategic importance of the islands, an advanced commando training unit is much needed here. Therefore, we have inaugurated 10 commando obstacles at the training school," Dhaliwal told PTI.

He said earlier, police personnel had to be sent to the mainland for commando obstacle training.

"Now, we have set up the same facility here to strengthen our commando unit. The objective is to prepare recruits and in-service personnel physically, mentally and tactically to handle demanding operational conditions," the DGP said.

On setting up a women commando unit here, he said, "Presently, we have no such unit here, but certainly in the future we will have good numbers of women commandos in the police force." The newly developed commando obstacles are designed to enhance physical endurance, agility, tactical skills, and overall operational preparedness of police personnel.

"These facilities will benefit both newly appointed constables as well as in-service personnel, providing realistic and scenario-based training essential to effectively deal with emerging law and order challenges, disaster response, and emergency situations across the Islands," he said.

Currently, the Andaman and Nicobar Police has 14 drill instructors trained in commando courses. Around 30 recruits of the 75th batch are currently undergoing basic training, officials said. PTI SN MNB