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Counter-Insurgency Operations

What is Counter-Insurgency Operations?

Counter-Insurgency (COIN) Operations are comprehensive military, paramilitary, and political actions taken by a government to defeat an insurgency. These operations aim not only to suppress armed groups but also to win the 'hearts and minds' of the local population, address root causes of unrest, and restore legitimate governance and development.

Historical Background

India has extensive experience in COIN operations, particularly in the North-Eastern states, Jammu & Kashmir, and against Left-Wing Extremism. Strategies have evolved from purely kinetic military force approaches to a more holistic, intelligence-led, and development-oriented model, learning from global and domestic experiences.

Key Points

8 points
  • 1.

    Multi-pronged Approach: Combines security operations, development initiatives, good governance, and psychological operations.

  • 2.

    Intelligence-led Operations: Heavy reliance on actionable intelligence inputs for targeted strikes, area domination, and preventing collateral damage.

  • 3.

    Forces Involved: Primarily Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) like CRPF (especially its COBRA unit), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and State Police Forces. The Indian Army is also deployed in specific insurgency-affected regions like J&K and parts of the North-East.

  • 4.

    Tactics: Include area domination, search and destroy missions, cordon and search operations, ambushes, road opening parties, and civic action programs.

  • 5.

    Challenges: Difficult terrain (forests, mountains), local population support for insurgents, human rights concerns, maintaining operational secrecy, and adapting to changing insurgent tactics.

  • 6.

    Development Focus: Integral to COIN, aiming to address grievances, provide basic services, and integrate affected areas into the national mainstream.

  • 7.

    Surrender & Rehabilitation Policies: Encouraging insurgents to lay down arms and rejoin society through attractive packages.

  • 8.

    Technology Integration: Use of drones, satellite imagery, communication interception, and advanced surveillance equipment for better situational awareness and precision operations.

Recent Developments

5 developments
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Increased focus on inter-agency coordination and intelligence sharing through platforms like the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC).

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Deployment of specialized units like COBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) for jungle warfare.

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Emphasis on community policing and building trust with local populations.

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Use of technology, including drones and advanced surveillance, to enhance operational effectiveness and minimize casualties.

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Government's 'SAMADHAN' strategy for LWE, which integrates security and development aspects.

This Concept in News

2 topics

Jaish Terrorists Neutralized in Kishtwar Encounter After Month-Long Security Operation

23 Feb 2026

The news of Operation Trashi-I demonstrates several key aspects of counter-insurgency. First, it highlights the persistent threat posed by terrorist groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, requiring continuous vigilance and proactive operations. Second, it showcases the importance of joint operations involving the army, police, and paramilitary forces for effective COIN. Third, the operation underscores the reliance on intelligence inputs to locate and neutralize insurgents. Fourth, the fact that the operation lasted for over a month indicates the challenges of operating in difficult terrain and the need for sustained efforts. Finally, the news reinforces the importance of addressing the root causes of insurgency, such as poverty and marginalization, to prevent the resurgence of terrorism. Understanding COIN is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides a framework for understanding the strategic context, the tactics employed, and the long-term implications of such operations. Without this understanding, it's difficult to assess the effectiveness of the operation or to appreciate the broader challenges of maintaining peace and security in the region.

High-Altitude CRPF Bases Established in J&K to Counter Threats

19 Feb 2026

This news highlights the ongoing nature of counter-insurgency efforts in J&K. It demonstrates the adaptive strategies employed by security forces to address evolving threats. The relocation of terrorists to higher altitudes necessitates a corresponding shift in security posture. This news applies the concept of COIN in practice by showing how security forces are adapting their tactics to the specific terrain and threat environment. It reveals the persistent challenge of maintaining security in the region and the need for continuous vigilance. The implications of this news are that counter-insurgency operations will likely continue in J&K for the foreseeable future. Understanding COIN is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides a framework for understanding the strategic objectives, tactical approaches, and underlying challenges of the security forces' efforts to combat terrorism and maintain stability in the region.

Source Topic

Jaish Terrorists Neutralized in Kishtwar Encounter After Month-Long Security Operation

Polity & Governance

UPSC Relevance

Highly relevant for UPSC GS Paper 3 (Internal Security), particularly for questions on strategies to combat LWE, terrorism, and insurgency. Understanding the nuances of COIN operations, including their successes, failures, and ethical considerations, is crucial.

This Concept in News

2 news topics

2

Jaish Terrorists Neutralized in Kishtwar Encounter After Month-Long Security Operation

23 February 2026

The news of Operation Trashi-I demonstrates several key aspects of counter-insurgency. First, it highlights the persistent threat posed by terrorist groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, requiring continuous vigilance and proactive operations. Second, it showcases the importance of joint operations involving the army, police, and paramilitary forces for effective COIN. Third, the operation underscores the reliance on intelligence inputs to locate and neutralize insurgents. Fourth, the fact that the operation lasted for over a month indicates the challenges of operating in difficult terrain and the need for sustained efforts. Finally, the news reinforces the importance of addressing the root causes of insurgency, such as poverty and marginalization, to prevent the resurgence of terrorism. Understanding COIN is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides a framework for understanding the strategic context, the tactics employed, and the long-term implications of such operations. Without this understanding, it's difficult to assess the effectiveness of the operation or to appreciate the broader challenges of maintaining peace and security in the region.

High-Altitude CRPF Bases Established in J&K to Counter Threats

19 February 2026

This news highlights the ongoing nature of counter-insurgency efforts in J&K. It demonstrates the adaptive strategies employed by security forces to address evolving threats. The relocation of terrorists to higher altitudes necessitates a corresponding shift in security posture. This news applies the concept of COIN in practice by showing how security forces are adapting their tactics to the specific terrain and threat environment. It reveals the persistent challenge of maintaining security in the region and the need for continuous vigilance. The implications of this news are that counter-insurgency operations will likely continue in J&K for the foreseeable future. Understanding COIN is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides a framework for understanding the strategic objectives, tactical approaches, and underlying challenges of the security forces' efforts to combat terrorism and maintain stability in the region.