New Delhi, Dec. 19: The "black cat" commandos of the elite counter-terror force National Security Guards is set to participate in the Republic Day celebrations, Union home ministry sources said today, reports our special correspondent.

This will be the first time that the NSG will take part in the annual celebrations.

The NSG has started short-listing a contingent of 60 commandos who will participate in the Republic Day drill.

Till now, the troops of the army's Special Forces were the only commandos to take part in the Rajpath march past during January 26 celebrations.