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Yes, we can, say defence analysts, but of course, it will require a lot of training, cash and political will

The 26/11 attacks were a neatly executed commando operation with five two-man buddy teams backed by intelligence, rigorous training, latest ammunition and a secure command and control centre, holding the city to ransom for nearly 60 hours.

To counter such an eventuality in the future, the Mumbai police will need to raise a crack commando unit, on the lines of the National Security Guards (NSG), which came to Mumbai's rescue.

However, the question is, can the Mumbai police do it in six months. The answer is, yes, they can.

After the 26/11 terror attack, the Mumbai police needs to prepare teams that can tackle such highly-trained terrorists. And we don't have to travel overseas for special training. The resources are available right here in our backyard.

The Counter Terrorism and Jungle Warfare School at Kanker in Chhattisgarh takes around six weeks to get policemen into shape to fight Naxalites. The rigorous training helps cops tackle and counter ambush attacks in the naxal-infested regions.

In addition, the Special Assault Groups of the Black Cats are staffed by army officers and men who have been through basic military training.

Buddy teams

The concept of a two-man buddy team is followed by most commando teams across the world. The two commandos in a team are made to perform all their functions together. Right from training to living in the same quarters, the duo are like shadows of each other. This helps the commandos while tackling terrorists, and they can manoeuvre without verbal communication.

Intense security drills

The standard security drill on how to approach a building occupied by terrorists is to: * Isolate the target * Remove civilians * Set up a cordon manned by the local police * Set up snipers to dominate all access areas * Gather intelligence on the target area and terrorists inside * Negotiate with the terrorists (in case there are hostages). This helps buy time to prepare for the assault * Move in for assault, keeping casualties low

Training schedule

* Physical conditioning: The personnel have to be trained to withstand difficult conditions * Sharp reflexes: A commando has to take a decision in a split second, often a life and death situation * Battle inoculation: Slithering, firing on the move, training in live-combat situations * Intervention: A commando needs to know how to break into a building occupied by terrorists with/without hostages