Chandigarh: The Haryana government has formally approved the constitution of an anti-terrorism squad (ATS) in a major step in its efforts to enforce a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, radicalisation, and organised terror networks.
Director general of police (DGP) Ajay Singhal described the establishment of the ATS as a "visionary and decisive" milestone for Haryana Police. He said the new force would leverage modern technology, specialised training, intelligence gathering, and interagency coordination to effectively combat emerging security threats. According to the DGP, chief minister Nayab Singh Saini has made it clear that ensuring the safety and security of citizens remains the state's highest priority. He said there can be no compromise in the fight against terrorism and related criminal activities.
The ATS proposal was prepared by Haryana Police and forwarded to the state government by DGP Singhal. Additional chief secretary (home) Sudhir Rajpal issued the official notification on Thursday. The ATS will function under the command and control of the Crime Investigation Department (CID) and will be headed by an officer of the rank of IGP. A specially trained commando force, modelled on the National Security Guard (NSG), will form part of the unit to undertake rapid-response and high-risk operations. The squad will also comprise an intelligence and operations branch tasked with identifying, monitoring, and apprehending terrorist operatives.
A dedicated ATS police station will investigate terrorism-related cases with support from integrated legal, financial investigation, and forensic units. To enhance technological capabilities, specialised wings—including a cyber and technical intelligence unit, data analysis and interception unit, de-radicalisation unit, and training and research wing—will be established. These units will focus on intelligence collection, cyber surveillance, youth outreach, rehabilitation programmes, and continuous skill development.
Officials said the ATS will be responsible for responding to terror incidents, investigating terrorism-related offences, coordinating with central and state agencies, maintaining databases, and conducting research to strengthen Haryana's overall security preparedness. The ATS will have two regional headquarters in Panchkula and Gurugram. Panchkula will cover 14 districts, while Gurugram will cover eight districts. Haryana Police aims to build a nationally benchmarked counterterrorism force.
