Deliberations on 'Holistic Approach to Sub Conventional Operations' were organized at Army War College Mhow on 06-07 Sep 05 as a part of the 'Tactics and Doctrine Conference', an annual event conducted by Army Training Command, Shimla on various topical issues concerning the Armed Forces. The COAS attended the same alongwith several senior officers of the Army.
During the conference, the Chief of the Army Staff emphasized the importance of training and preparation for Sub Conventional Warfare, which is an ongoing type of war being faced by most of the countries. While the world has begun to grapple with the reality of 'Terrorism' only post 9/11: but for India, sub Conventional Operations were nothing new. For five decades India has been a victim of 'Proxy War', 'Insurgency' and Terrorism'. These are the formidable challenges that the country faces today.
The COAS further stated that these threats need to be countered in a multi-faceted manner; by strengthening India's internal security, identifying and defusing the threats before they reach our borders and by using every instrument of National Power.
For the Army, the necessity of operating in close contact with the civil population dictates that their efforts to contain violence are based on the doctrine of minimum use of force. The COAS articulated that Army will follow the policy of ‘Iron Fist’ for Terrorists and ‘Velvet Glove’ for the people as people’s support and ‘Winning their Hearts and Minds’ was the key to success.
SKS/RKJ