Mind the perimeter: On J&K terror attacks

Mind the perimeter: On J&K terror attacks

Context:

• The number of casualties in the terror attack on the Sunjuwan Army base in Jammu has risen to seven after clearing operations.

The terror attack:

• The garrison of the 36 Brigade of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry was attacked by a small group of heavily armed terrorists that managed to enter the residential quarters of soldiers.
• While three terrorists were killed, six soldiers and a civilian lost their lives.
• The Sunjuwan attack exposes the vulnerabilities in perimeter security and the scant progress made in improving the security protocol since the attack on the Pathankot Air Force station in January 2016.
• In the aftermath of Pathankot, a committee undertook a security audit of all military bases across the country.
• It identified sensitive installations and recommended measures to fortify them.

Measures taken:

• The Defence Ministry sanctioned Rs. 1,487 crore to strengthen sensitive military installations across the country as per the recommendations of a 2016 audit.
• Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has also directed the Army to complete its implementation by the end of the year.

Conclusion:

• It must be borne in mind that a successful attack does not necessarily mean that the soldier on the ground is careless in performing his duties.
• Many bases along the border are located in tough terrain, and are in close proximity to civilian dwellings, demanding care from the soldier to avoid civilian casualties in crossfire while adhering to the standard operating procedures.