Context and Background

Security Situation in Jammu

• Ongoing Issues: The Jammu region has been increasingly troubled by terrorism, significantly affecting security forces and leading to substantial losses. Recent escalations include attacks by newly infiltrated terrorist cadres, often supported by Pakistan.
• Impact of Redeployment:
  • Galwan Incident: In June 2020, following the Galwan clash, troops from Jammu were redeployed to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), leading to a reduced counter-terrorism presence in Jammu.
  • Resulting Challenges: This redeployment weakened the counter-terrorism grid, necessitating the induction of additional forces to address the security vacuum.

Recent Troop Inductions:

• Army Troops and Special Forces:
  • Deployment Report (July 19, 2024): Approximately 3,000 Army troops and 500 Special Forces were added to the Jammu region to enhance counter-terror operations.
• Assam Rifles Deployment:
  • News Update (August 1, 2024): The Assam Rifles are being redeployed to Jammu to strengthen counter-terror operations, with the CRPF replacing Assam Rifles units in Manipur.
  • Operational Context: This move underscores the government''s commitment to addressing the deteriorating security situation in Jammu, which includes the areas from Kathua to Poonch and the Chenab Valley.

Counter-Terrorism Grid

Concept and Purpose:

• Grid Definition: A counter-terrorism grid is a systematic arrangement of units deployed to control and monitor areas prone to terrorist activities. This setup is designed to deny terrorists freedom of movement and operations.
• Grid Components:
  • Deployment Strategy: Units are positioned based on threat assessments, which include considerations of terrain, vulnerable areas, and the local population''s disposition.
  • Tactical Operations: Units conduct operations that involve psychological aspects, such as engaging with the local population to gather intelligence and win support.

Operational Strategy:

• Local Knowledge and Engagement:
  • Terrain Familiarity: Knowledge of local terrain and community dynamics is crucial for effective operations.
  • Winning Hearts and Minds: Gaining the trust of the local population is vital for successful counter-terrorism, as it facilitates intelligence gathering and operational support.

Challenges and Considerations

1. Integrating New Troops:

• Deployment Issues:
  • Acclimatization: New troops face the challenge of understanding the local terrain and population, which can impact their effectiveness.
  • Integration: To mitigate these issues, newly inducted troops should be integrated with existing units rather than deployed in isolation. This approach helps in leveraging the experience and established rapport of current units.
• Population Dynamics:
  • Support and Neutrality: The local population is divided into:
    • Supporters of the State: A minority that supports government actions.
    • Supporters of Terrorists: A minority that supports terrorist activities.
    • Neutral Majority: The majority, who are generally indifferent but can be influenced.
  • Operational Focus: Successful counter-terrorism involves maintaining support from state supporters and winning over the neutral majority, thereby reducing the base of terrorist support.

2. Operational Efficiency:

• Command and Control:
  • Historical Lessons: The effectiveness of counter-terrorism operations can be compromised if command is shifted to higher levels beyond the battalion. The historical success of Assam Rifles units, such as in Operation Dudhi, highlighted the importance of trusted battalion-level leadership.

Historical Context and Lessons

Operation Dudhi (May 1991):

• Success Story: Operation Dudhi, led by 7 Assam Rifles, is remembered as a highly successful counter-terror operation in the Chowkibal area. The operation’s success was attributed to the effective leadership and operational control maintained by the battalion''s commanding officer.
• Key Lessons:
  • Leadership Trust: Successful operations require trust in and control by the commanding officer at the battalion level.
  • Integration: Historical operations demonstrated that integrating new units under established leaders and command structures is more effective than isolated deployments.

Conclusion

• Deployment Strategy:
  • Integrated Deployment: New units should be deployed as integrated parts of existing command structures rather than as standalone entities. This integration helps in better acclimatization and operational efficiency.
  • Long-Term Approach: Counter-terrorism efforts require a long-term commitment. Quick fixes or purely numerical increases are unlikely to yield significant results. Sustainable success relies on strategic planning, effective integration of new units, and a comprehensive understanding of the local dynamics.