From Our Special Correspondent
Silchar, Nov 29: “Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS), Vairengte, Mizoram, has taken a global face in counter insurgency operations as troops from different countries come here for latest training to meet the challenges thrown by militants and terrorists,” said Major General M S Ghura of CIJWS while talking to reporters at the school in the aftermath of the 7th Indo-Bangladesh joint exercise which concluded after 13 days of vigorous training. Apart from that, special forces, CRPF, troops of this country also get training here.
The Major General claimed CIJWS Vairengte to be the best place for counter insurgency operation in the world. It has a place of pride and glory of its own. Participation by Indian forces as well as from abroad is an ongoing process and, as he said, “We here are to be updated in the latest methods and methodology to be effective in dealing with and containing the mece of terrorism.” The challenges are always high, particularly in the Maoist infested areas as well as Jammu and Kashmir since the terrorists are adopting new strategy and most sophisticated weaponry.
Explaining the basic aim of the training, Major General M S Ghura said the first is to neutralize the terrorists, force them to surrender and killing is the last resort. Secondly, operations will be deliberate, depending upon the situation and the circumstances. Thirdly, every care is taken to ensure there is no collateral damage like civilian casualty. “We are training the our forces as well as of other countries which is tailor made for their operations”, he pointed out.
From the training to foreign countries, it is learning for each other in experiences. The Major General said Myanmar forces will be again coming that will enrich our experiences. What makes the fight against insurgency is the ever changing technique of the insurgents. Sharing experiences and practices, there is lot to learn. Referring to the revisit of Myanmar, he added to say, the Government of India and the Indian Army are closer to SAARC countries. As terrorist has no boundary, the mutual understanding and cooperation among the friendly countries is necessary.
“This ebles us to work out strategy jointly and that makes the fight against insurgency more effective”, Major General M S Ghura said. Excepting Chi and Pakistan, all other countries have taken interest in joining the operation against terror here. Japanese forces will also be coming and as a prelude to it, a team of army officers from that country have made a survey and study. The focus is to find out all the details about the insurgency that has taken place and in deciding the next strategy, everything is kept in mind. It is this changing methodology and use of latest weaponry that lot of changes can be seen in Jammu and Kashmir.
There are problems created by deep jungles and the cover which become ideal for terrorists and insurgents. Considering the global importance of CIJWS, “We are expanding and the Government of Mizoram has provided us more land. Facilities are being increased and infrastructure modernized,” stated the Major General. Counter insurgency operation involves reflex firing also and there is the possibility of hitting civilian population. This calls for more expansion of the areas of operation. Presently, CIJWS has 9 ranges, he informed. To a question, if Defence Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, will be visiting this school, he ruled out such possibility now.