New Delhi: 10 K9s from India will provide security at the Paris Olympics, which is scheduled to run from July 26 to August 11. Led by Dr Manzoor Ahmad, 2IC (Vet) ITBP, the K9 contingent from Indo Tibetan Border Police, Central Police Reserve Force, Sashastra Seema Bal, AR and National Security Guard flew to Paris on July 11.
A senior ITBP official said, “In response to a request from the French government, the Indian government has deployed a contingent of K9s in Paris to carry out critical anti-sabotage duties. The request was made due to the impeccable reputation of the Indian Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), particularly the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) K9 unit, which is known for its impeccable performance during the G20 summit and its collaboration with the US Marines during President Barack Obama’s visit to India.”
Soon after arriving in Paris, the K9 team began anti-sabotage checks around the Eiffel Tower as part of security preparations for the Paris Olympics. According to the official, French authorities have requested Dr Manzoor Ahmad to deploy Indian K9s in highly sensitive areas to assist in sanitising the surroundings.
The officer further said, ‘This is the first time that an Indian CAPF K9 contingent has been deployed in France for such sensitive security operations. ITBP Headquarters has played an advisory role in this prestigious deployment, leveraging its extensive experience in UN missions. The K9 Assessment Board (KAB) headed by DIG (Vet) of ITBP has certified the fitness of all K9s and handlers for this mission’.
The officer said these duties are demanding with significant international implications, but the high-quality training of CAPF K9s ensures that they are well prepared for the task in France. Along with all the 10 dogs, their handlers also went through rigorous training. The trainers have completed basic formalities with the French language.
