Disturbing updates began to emerge last night when the Nagrota-based 16 Corps, known as the White Knight Corps, shared a sombre report about an ongoing clash with terrorists at Dhari Gote Urarbagi in the Desa forest area of Doda district, Jammu division, in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Contact with terrorists was established at about 9 pm in which heavy firefight ensued. Initial reports suggest injuries to our bravehearts,” the army had posted on X on Monday night.
Soldiers from Rashtriya Rifles and the anti-terror Special Operations Group of the Jammu and Kashmir Police were involved in the operation. According to a PTI report, following a brief exchange of gunfire, the terrorists attempted to flee but were pursued by troops under the command of an officer, despite difficult terrain and dense foliage. This pursuit led to another firefight in the forest. Tragically, during this second engagement, five soldiers sustained critical injuries. Regrettably, four of them, including the officer, later passed away due to their injuries.
Emotions and anger will understandably be intense, but there are crucial aspects that must not be ignored.
Nighttime pursuit and tactical considerations
Was it a strategic error to pursue the terrorists during the night amid challenging terrain and dense foliage? Typically, after initial contact, the entire area is cordoned off to prevent escape and firefights are suspended until daylight to minimise risks. It’s unclear whether the fallen soldiers were equipped with night-vision goggles. However, the thick foliage could have still hindered visibility. The significant casualties among the troops suggest that the terrorists had a clear advantage in terms of visibility. Was this a blind pursuit or were the soldiers led into a trap by the terrorists?
If nighttime engagements are inevitable, how well-prepared are we to handle such situations?
Engaging in nighttime battles across mountainous and jungle terrain demands specialised gear for safety, effectiveness and survival. Essential personal protective equipment includes infrared-resistant camouflage clothing, a ballistic helmet equipped with mounts for night vision devices and lightweight body armour. Night vision goggles improve visibility in low-light conditions while thermal imaging devices detect heat signatures in dense foliage. Additional necessities include a headlamp with a red filter, a rugged GPS device featuring topographical maps, a compass and waterproof maps for navigation. Secure-channel radios and signal flares ensure reliable communication, while suppressed firearms with laser sights or infrared technology enhance stealth operations.
However, these are standard issue for special forces and not readily available across all units at short notice. Given the current challenges, it is imperative for all Rashtriya Rifles units to train soldiers extensively in night combat, jungle warfare, mountain operations and guerrilla tactics.
Training in jungle warfare
Jungle warfare requires specialised training due to the unique and challenging conditions presented by jungle environments. Dense vegetation significantly limits visibility, making it difficult to spot enemies and navigate. Moving silently and efficiently through thick foliage demands specific techniques to avoid detection and minimise noise. Traditional navigation methods can be less effective in the jungle, so soldiers need to be adept at using compasses, maps and natural landmarks. The homogeneous nature of the jungle can easily disorient individuals making it hard to maintain a sense of direction.
In terms of tactics and combat, the dense terrain is ideal for ambushes, so soldiers need to be trained in both setting and avoiding ambushes. Engagements often happen at close range, requiring proficiency in close quarters combat techniques and controlling fire to avoid revealing positions is critical.
Jungle warfare demands a unique set of skills and knowledge that cannot be acquired through standard military training. Specialised training ensures that soldiers are prepared to handle the complexities and dangers of jungle operations increasing their effectiveness and chances of survival in such hostile environments.
Intelligence and tactical readiness
Another crucial factor to consider is the reliability of intelligence. Was it accurate, or could it have been deliberately fed by the terrorists to gain an advantage in terms of time and terrain especially under the cover of darkness? Would it have been wiser to secure the entire area and wait until morning?
What is evident is that these new batch of terrorists now active in many parts of the Jammu region are highly trained, familiar with the terrain, and crucially, knowledgeable about Indian security forces’ tactics and responses, particularly those of the army.
The Agniveers
With the emergence of Agniveers, this task becomes even more demanding. The investment in training and equipping these forces needs careful consideration, especially since highly trained soldiers may be forced to contemplate alternative careers once they reach peak proficiency as Agniveers can serve only for four years.
Alternatively, it may be prudent to specialise these units solely as counterinsurgency (CI) forces equipped with comprehensive commando warfare tactics. Deploying them as part of a paramilitary force focussed on CI operations after their stint in the military is over could allow the military to concentrate on external threats. It would position Agniveers alongside the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police as India’s premier CI forces.
Lessons to learn and unlearn
Instances like the recent encounter in Doda district underscore the ongoing challenges in counterinsurgency operations in complex terrain. These events prompt critical reassessments of training protocols, equipment readiness and the strategic deployment of forces in high-risk environments. Moreover, they influence public perception of security forces’ capabilities and effectiveness, shaping public support for counterinsurgency efforts and national security policies. Understanding these broader implications is essential for adapting and strengthening future responses to insurgent threats in challenging geopolitical landscapes like Jammu and Kashmir.
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Doda encounter has lessons for India’s counterinsurgency operations
