The National Security Guard (NSG), commonly known as Black Cats, is a counter-terrorism unit of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs.[3][4][5] It was founded on 16 October 1984, following Operation Blue Star against Sikh militants, to combat terrorist activities and protect states against internal disturbances.[1][6][7][8] Formalised in the Parliament of India under the National Security Guard Act, 1986. NSG are recruited from both Indian Army and Central Armed Police Forces, it is not strictly classified as a traditional paramilitary force. It operates as a specialized federal contingency unit.