TERROR ATTACKS BY PAK ON MIL BASES

Of late Pakistan based terror groups have been successfully attacking India security forces with impunity in close vicinity to LC and deep inside. Much too the anguish of common citizen, there appears to be very little in terms of qualitative response.

Army bases in spite of all possible defensive measures of perimeter fencing; wall; patrolling with adequate night surveillance capability have failed to deter these attacks inspire of some quality of intelligence available.

Pakistan army denies all responsibility inspire of some credible evidence having been provided in the past. In any case deniability of terror action is part of state policy to bleed India. Moot questions then arise are:-

Who is the enemy?

What does he aspire to achieve?

What is the manifestation shape?

How to defeat the threat?

Who is the enemy?

            The enemy is a civilian who has been trained in all skills needed to fight armed enemy by indirect approach. Terrorist, called fidayeen or freedom fighter by the host country.  All are Muslims, could belong to any country, having operated as part jihadi group somewhere ranging from Afghanistan to Mid East or even Africa. Highly motivated  has developed expertise in using high technology; usage of explosives and latest gadgetry/weapons; physical and mental toughness in addition to basic military skills but is ruthless in brutality. Compassion and mercy not part of his personality domain. Fidayeen/suicide bombers or whatever one calls these terrorists; the idea first appeared during First World War. Japanese snipers would ties themselves on bamboo tops with some rations to snipe at approaching enemy to delay/cause causalities and impose caution whilst own troops got time to withdraw and prepare next defensive positions. Also when Gen Mc Arthur tanks landed on beaches, Jap soldiers would tie mines to their bodies and fall in front of the tank. Blowing tank and self in the bargain. Japanese pilots would take on high value combat missions flying in aircraft not yet fit to land. This is where the concept of assured death with mission execution came into being. The motivation behind suicidal mission was to defeat the enemy and fierce loyalty to the king. Terrorist have followed the same ideology, motivation being, since fighting holy war, will go to heaven post death.AM EXTREMELY HIGH MOTIVATION LEVEL

            Terrorist is a radicalised Muslim primarily executing mission during what he believes is jihad, holy religious war for protection of Islam. He is supported by Pakistan Establishment. IDENTITY WISE ENEMY IS BLURRED. This is the enemy posing new kind of threat.

 What does he Aspire to Achieve

            Pakistan wants Kashmir to be its part; avenge 71 defeat wherein it’s lost East Pakistan- now Bangla Desh. Since militarily it’s not feasible, it has used terror to back up its strategy of annexing Kashmir. Terrorists from Al Qaida/Taliban/others from Muslim countries fighting in Mid east/Africa/misguided youths from Kashmir. Pakistan has cultivated a very powerful loyalist; media; opinion makers and others to shape environments for this cause. Quite a chunk of populace sympathises with local terror sirs as view them as standing against states might on their behalf It has invested heavily as its long term battle of attrition by using fake currency/drug money to fund terrorists activities.

Unrest in Valley is key to success to ensure issue kept high on emotional fire. Separatist; local terrorist leaders; supporters in Government service and forced allegiance from civil. Fear; blackmail; money are used as tools to keep unemployed youth charged with anti national activities. Using media; democracy; Human Rights; NGOs to its advantage, it has managed huge followers/sympathisers with simple agenda of Freedom.

India is paying very heavy price. Huge defence/police presence and expenditure; youth radicalising; development suffering; students loosing academic years; no industry coming in so no jobs. It has virtually become economic cesspool with negative returns whereas huge potential in tourism; cash crops; herbs.

Indian military might and democracy enabling force application and negotiation through elected representatives is thwarting Pakistan plans. Though huge security forces presence is hated by all but its security curtain against terrorists.

Pak has achieved to economically drain India by using currency printed in Pak; radicalised youth; bleeding Kashmir and everyone suffering. India is paying huge price. Pak feels at some point of time, mass frustration could become an uprising for Freedom from India thus Kashmir can cede. Its ultimate dream.

What is Modus operandi?

            Post recruitment, he is trained at various camps imparting training in various disciplines. Indoctrination to reformat thought process to replace humane values with brutality and killing kafirs ; terrorising masses; suicide and great glory in dying followed by trip to heaven. Depending on skills achieved and level of motivation terrorist given responsibility for subsequent missions.

From training areas, he comes to HQ via staging areas for target briefing and mission execution plan. Satellite imagery and other intelligence available is shared during briefing. Necessary wherewithal needed is provisioned and handed over closer to crossing venue, which is generally from launch pads manned by border protection. Could spend few days to study security forces activity and familiarise with area close to border. Guidance coordination, if not done, would be done here.

            After crossing, move with the help of GPS by night or during day in the guise depending on safety and prevalent security state. Guided from point to point by agents/guides till reach the target area. In the vicinity of target area, undertake extensive confirmatory reconnaissance of target area with the help of local guides. Generally stay in safe houses provided by sympathisers/cells.

            Strike with surprise being most important factor. Early morning/sundown is most vulnerable times for bases as routine changing from day to night and vice a versa. Aim of terrorists is to cause maximum human damage and delay operations as much as possible by taking shelter behind safe areas/taking hostage. This gives advantage of mega media coverage adding to heroic value and vulnerability of defence forces. This over a period of time destroys people’s faith in the invincibility of the army.

How to defeat this threat?

            Yes, new threat needs new approach to defeat. Existing ways will fail and continue to fail. Army traditionally fought with enemy’s army on the borders and fell back once political negotiations took place post the war.

That’s history. Army must be prepared to fight terrorist threat by understanding his way of fighting and evolve own new way to defeat him. Standing armies have set predictable, mundane almost lethargic routines and standardised procedures leaving /expecting very little diversion from set procedures. Getting up for complete army depends on reveille as per timings laid down in met tables. Routine follows thereafter. Set routine and excessive dependence on procedures virtually destroys initiative of soldier/junior leader. This is greatest weakness when faced with unpredictable situation demanding different response.   

Terrorist, on the other hand having analysed army’s way exploits it fully. To beat him, think like a terrorist, then and only then can he be defeated.

Suggestions to defeat the new threat

·         Train soldier to think like a terrorist

·         Let soldiers plan operations as mock terrorists

·         Teach soldiers guise; deception; befriending locals

·         Intelligence gathering by mingling with civilians/shopkeepers

·         Sleep by day; train body night operation with same efficiency

·         Small team unconventional operations planning and execution

·         Back to basics- jungle/mountain lore to understand signs/ noises

·         Sniper firing – one shot assured kill at 2 kms

·         Handling of explosives/IED/first aid

·         Night/moon light operations with night devices

·         Extremely high physical fitness and mental alertness

·         Innovation

·         Mental toughness to bear very high degree of discomfort.

·         Interrogation

·         Move out- be aggressive, only then victory assured. Dominate area around

·         Defensive mentality is dangerous

·         Integrated info sharing and cord destruction of terrorists by QRTs

·         Confidence in weapon; equipment handling

·         Surprise; stealth; deceit and minimal external support to execute mission

·         Special precautions on days emotionally closer to jihadis.

Conclusion

            New war, combining regular and terror is a fact of life. It has to be fought and defeated by analysing its vulnerability and exploiting the same. Procedural; routine need to be replaced with innovation ;small team operations by using aggression, guise,  mixing /dominating areas around and sniper fire /others weapons/equipment to minimise collateral damage.

            Break the routine, come out of zero mistakes and take operational risks. Go out, seek and destroy the terrorist by pre-empting by keeping sympathisers under watch with help of police and sources.

            Defeating demands following new rules or keep facing defeat and sulking.

Choice is ours and nation won’t accept repeated failures. Rise and succeed. Live upto our expectations