Nagrota, Uri, Pathankot heavily
protected defence establishment with intelligence inputs attacked by fidayeen
leading to very heavy loss of life to trained military manpower. Very
frustrating and shows defence forces in poor light to civilian and veteran--
getting mauled even when armed.
Fidayeen comes with fixed aim. Die
whilst executing assigned mission causing maximum collateral damage both physical
but more important psychological. If reports are to be believed, detailed
intelligence about layout available with terrorists undoubtedly indicates someone
from inside facilitating entry from vulnerable point; exploiting weaknesses of
existing procedures (coming in army combat dress during early morning, thereby
defeating orders to open fire only after positive identification. Early
morning; foggy conditions force on soldier to wait for identifying before
opening fire, which in some cases is too late. Excessive defensive orders have
forced fear of non acceptance of causalities by default. By exploiting existing
operational conditions, terrorist appears to be succeeding in both. Advantage
Pak army.
Fatigue come complacency having
set in over a period of time due repeated intelligence in puts is one of the
major reasons for lethargic reactions.Non availability of bullet proof jackets;
night vision devices and fear of own causalities could be a reason for local
commanders to minimise venturing out, leading to defensive mindset. Disadvantage Indian Army
Fidayeen has forced defensive
mindset amongst soldiers and anyone who defends is likely to lose more often
and that’s exactly what’s happening. Advantage Pak army and terrorists
Nation has become so less
sensitive to deaths- cash rewards; revenge and martyrdom with presence of
ceremonial funeral; VIPs; Media during funeral. Thereafter its life as usual carries
on. Army goes for massive artillery assaults leading to deaths/injuries across.
Kill and counter kills.Pakistan looses terrorist and India looses trained manpower.
Terrorists are mankind haters with little mercy but perceive fighting religious
war so highly motivated. ZERO sum game.
Options for
way ahead
Existing Bases
Existing
bases lack physical/electronic and security thus making them vulnerable to
terror attack. Electronic surveillance; boundary walls do add to
physical security but give the soldier a defensive mindset. Be aggressive with tiered
ambushes beyond perimeter with changing locations. Investing in local
intelligence by keeping watch on doubtful integrity characters with police help
will go a long way. Working out better surveillance on service providers
Shift from defensive to offensive
defence at vulnerable bases. Provision of bullet proof jackets, night vision
devices would be pre requisite. Modification of existing operating procedures
regarding opening fire may be undertaken. Opening fire on positive identification
becomes extremely difficult during poor visibility and gets aggravated when terrorist
adorn our uniforms. This will ensure lesser casualty and terrorists being
defeated beyond perimeter. Very interesting pattern of mosques/shrines within
military stations/cantonment exist close to such areas where watch can be kept
and intelligence gathered in very innocent manner. Areas around basis are
populated by people with suspect loyalties. Unfortunately porters; shopkeepers
and other service providers move freely within cants. Collection of information/inciting
vulnerable through lure of money/other favours is very easily doable. Frisking
of populace around and strict vigil on so called relatives and those moving
within campus with comparative ease needs to be checked.
Electronic
surveillance; boundary walls do add to physical security but give the soldier a
defensive mindset. Be aggressive with tiered ambushes beyond perimeter with
changing locations. Investing in local intelligence by keeping watch on doubtful
integrity characters with police help will go a long way. Working out better
surveillance on service providers
Rather
than wait for terrorist to attack, need to seek and destroy him by venturing
out to areas in the near vicinity simultaneously enhancing local intelligence
through own/police resources. Become HUNTERS rather than HUNTED
Zero sum game
Carry on with zero sum game. India looses in long run though
Pak too suffer but Pak looses comparatively moderate to Indian very heavy. It’s
basically status quo but unimaginative way of fighting an action. Must be
discarded state away.
Border Surveillance
Strengthen
border security with all weather electronic surveillance. Terrain on border
will enable few terrorists to cross over with Pak army providing fire support
to divert attention. But could enhance bids foiled at border itself. Strict
punishment against complacency and procedural modifications to have offensive content
in guarding bases procedures. Move out of perimeter with multiple; location/pattern
ambushes whilst enhancing local intelligence.
Snipers
Sniper shooters
on borders to target command and control elements and permitting no move once infiltration
takes place through post to deter enemy post from undertaking this activity. Good deterrent will help to some extent.
Covert Action
Covert
action through own borders or Baluchistan ups the ante somewhat but has
significant potential of diversion of assets. Both doable but implies upping the ante.
Prisoners under death sentence would not mind undertaking this task. Come back
post mission accomplishment and free to live. Extension of covert operations a
win win situation but with its own risks and ramifications. Sleeper cells in
Pak hinterland capable of retaliating on orders. Large number of border area
people has relatives across who interact frequently and would be amenable to
undertake intelligence and low quality missions and provides support to high
quality missions. Liquidating terror heads based in Muzzafarabad easily doable
in two night foot based operations.
Conclusion
Present modus operandi being
followed by Indian army is proving to be ineffective, in fact disastrous.
Giving massive advantage to Pakistan/terrorist must be discarded urgently.
Modify existing procedures enabling intruder management in adverse weather by
replacing on opening fire only after positive identification.
All service providers having
access to unit campuses & locals in immediate vicinity must be kept under
surveillance with police help.
Strengthen bases with
physical/electronic capability and provide adequate wherewithal for night
offensive posturing. Shift from HUNTED to HUNTER.
Border/LC rather than massive fir
assaults go for sniper to kill selected command and control elements. Enhance
electronic surveillance reinforcing with sub terrain sensors. Tunnels being new
modus operandi, this threat needs to be countered adequately.
Covert operations up to Muzzafarabad,
capital of POK or on western border via Baluchistan
