Don’t copy our uniform: NSG

Mumbai: Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but the Black Cats don’t appreciate copycats. The National Security Guard (NSG), which set up base in Mumbai last week, is concerned that private security agencies are copying the attire of the NSG’s elite “Black Cat” commandos.
The black uniforms of these brave men, who became the city’s heroes during the 26/11 terror attack, evoke admiration and pride. Apparently, many private agencies believe that similar uniforms will inspire awe and respect for their guards also.
The elite anti-terrorist force now wants the practice to stop, and is threatening action against copycats. NSG director-general N P S Aulakh has issued a strongly-worded notice warning security agencies to stop copying the uniform of its guards.
“Employees of certain private security agencies have been wearing specifically designed black coloured dungarees/uniforms, which are part of the operational uniform prescribed for NSG commandos,’’ he says. The notice makes it clear that this is an offence and could even invite criminal prosecution.
“When a security agency is registered, it’s made clear that the agency cannot copy uniforms of army or police personnel for their guards,’’ said Col R K Kurup, who runs a private security agency called Group 7. This is done because defence and police forces want their men to have a unique identity so that they can be recognised without any confusion by both the forces and the general public.
Section 171 of the IPC makes it a crime for a common citizen to “wear a garb’’ used by a public servant for a fraudulent act. Doing this invites a three-month jail term and a fine.
Aulakh has threatened that private security guards wearing uniforms similar to those of the NSG will be prosecuted under the same provision.
Various agencies in Mumbai employ some 30,000 private security guards, of whom 5,000 have arms licences. Many wear allblack uniforms whose resemblance to the NSG commandos’ attire is uncanny.
“People prefer guards clad in black because they look smart and seem like they mean business. So, they stand around in shopping malls, multiplexes and private parties looking like commandos,’’ said a security firm owner on condition of anonymity.
Kurup noted that several other rules are also seldom followed. “Many guards wear epaulets on their shoulders, like an army captain or major. This, too, is not allowed, but the practice continues,’’ Kurup said. Security agencies should make changes in their uniforms on their own rather than be told by the NSG or the police, he added.