What to Read in Indian Express Editorial( Topic and Syllabus wise)

Editorial 1 : The Day After, Back to Basics

 

Context: Pahalgam terror attack and Area Domination Patrols (ADPs) in Counter-Insurgency Operations.

 

Introduction: Area Domination Patrols (ADPs)

• Area Domination Patrols (ADPs) are tactical movement of small units at unpredictable times, deploying in ambush mode to dominate an area. It aims to create uncertainty for adversaries through irregular presence.
• It is inspired by a 1999 incident in Kashmir where a General Officer emphasized patrolling calm areas to pre-empt terrorist infiltration.

 

Strategic Significance in Counter insurgency (CI) and Counter terrorism (CT) Operations

• Psychological Deterrence
  1. Unpredictability
     • Random patrol timings prevent terrorists from anticipating security forces’ movements.
     • Forces adversaries to question the safety of entering or operating in an area.
  2. Omnipresence: It creates a perception that security forces are everywhere, limiting terrorists’ freedom of movement and planning.
• Denial of Safe Havens
  1. Prevents Familiarity: Regular patrols stop terrorists from gaining prolonged familiarity with terrain, disrupting their ability to exploit the area.
  2. Restricts Logistics: It limits terrorists’ ability to transport weapons, recruit, or establish bases.

 

Tactical Implementation and Key Features

• Operational Methodology
  1. Ambush-Centric Deployment: Short-term, tactical positioning in ambush mode to observe and engage threats.
  2. Variable Timing: Patrols conducted before anticipated high-threat periods (e.g. festivals, anniversaries) to pre-empt attacks.
• Resource Efficiency
  1. Small Units: ADP uses minimal manpower to maximize coverage without overextending resources.
  2. Cost-Effective: It focuses on proactive deterrence rather than reactive engagements.

 

Impact and Benefits of ADPs

• Enhanced Intelligence Gathering
  1. Surveillance: Acts as eyes and ears to detect suspicious activity, track new faces, and identify potential threats.
  2. Early Warning: Facilitates timely responses to terrorist buildups or movements.
• Operational Safety
  1. Reduces Vulnerability: Prevents terrorist surveillance of security bases by maintaining unpredictable patrol routes.
  2. Saves Lives: Repetitive drills and boring routines minimize complacency and vulnerabilities.

 

Leadership Insights and Lessons Learned

• Balancing Macro and Micro-Management: Senior leaders must occasionally focus on fundamentals (e.g. ADP enforcement) to ensure operational success.
• Importance of Repetition
  1. Back to Basics: Repetitive drills (e.g. ADPs) are vital even during calm periods to prevent resurgence.
  2. Cultural Discipline: Instils a mindset of vigilance and reduces reliance on reactive measures.

 

Conclusion: ADPs are proven deterrent in counter insurgency (CI) and counter terrorism (CT) operations by combining psychological pressure, intelligence collection, and territorial denial. They are critical for maintaining long-term security in volatile regions, even during periods of apparent peace. Success hinges on balancing strategic oversight with unwavering commitment to tactical basics.