sign in sign up
<<
Home , Kumaon Regiment, Maratha Light Infantry

Vol 4 Issue 10 Nov 2014 ISSN No : 2230-7850

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

International Multidisciplinary Research Journal

Indian Streams Research Journal

Executive Editor Editor-in-Chief Ashok Yakkaldevi H.N.Jagtap Welcome to ISRJ RNI MAHMUL/2011/38595 ISSN No.2230-7850 Indian Streams Research Journal is a multidisciplinary research journal, published monthly in English, Hindi & . All research papers submitted to the journal will be double - blind peer reviewed referred by members of the editorial board.Readers will include investigator in universities, research institutes government and industry with research interest in the subjects.

International Advisory Board

Flávio de São Pedro Filho Mohammad Hailat Hasan Baktir Federal University of Rondonia, Brazil Dept. of Mathematical Sciences, English Language and Literature University of South Carolina Aiken Department, Kayseri Kamani Perera Regional Center For Strategic Studies, Sri Abdullah Sabbagh Ghayoor Abbas Chotana Lanka Engineering Studies, Sydney Dept of Chemistry, Lahore University of Management Sciences[PK] Janaki Sinnasamy Ecaterina Patrascu Librarian, University of Malaya Spiru Haret University, Bucharest Anna Maria Constantinovici AL. I. Cuza University, Romania Romona Mihaila Loredana Bosca Spiru Haret University, Romania Spiru Haret University, Romania Ilie Pintea, Spiru Haret University, Romania Delia Serbescu Fabricio Moraes de Almeida Spiru Haret University, Bucharest, Federal University of Rondonia, Brazil Xiaohua Yang Romania PhD, USA George - Calin SERITAN Anurag Misra Faculty of Philosophy and Socio-Political ...... More DBS College, Kanpur Sciences Al. I. Cuza University, Iasi

Titus PopPhD, Partium Christian University, Oradea,Romania

Editorial Board Pratap Vyamktrao Naikwade Iresh Swami Rajendra Shendge ASP College Devrukh,Ratnagiri,MS Ex - VC. Solapur University, Solapur Director, B.C.U.D. Solapur University, Solapur R. R. Patil N.S. Dhaygude Head Geology Department Solapur Ex. Prin. Dayanand College, Solapur R. R. Yalikar University,Solapur Director Managment Institute, Solapur Narendra Kadu Rama Bhosale Jt. Director Higher Education, Umesh Rajderkar Prin. and Jt. Director Higher Education, Head Humanities & Social Science Panvel K. M. Bhandarkar YCMOU,Nashik Praful Patel College of Education, Gondia Salve R. N. S. R. Pandya Department of Sociology, Sonal Singh Head Education Dept. University, University, Vikram University, Ujjain Mumbai

Govind P. Shinde G. P. Patankar Alka Darshan Shrivastava Bharati Vidyapeeth School of Distance S. D. M. Degree College, Honavar, Shaskiya Snatkottar Mahavidyalaya, Dhar Education Center, Navi Mumbai Maj. S. Bakhtiar Choudhary Rahul Shriram Sudke Chakane Sanjay Dnyaneshwar Director,Hyderabad AP India. Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore Arts, Science & Commerce College, Indapur, Pune S.Parvathi Devi S.KANNAN Ph.D.-University of Allahabad Annamalai University,TN Awadhesh Kumar Shirotriya Secretary,Play India Play,Meerut(U.P.) Sonal Singh, Satish Kumar Kalhotra Vikram University, Ujjain Maulana Azad National Urdu University

Address:-Ashok Yakkaldevi 258/34, Raviwar Peth, Solapur - 413 005 , India Cell : 9595 359 435, Ph No: 02172372010 Email: [email protected] Website: www.isrj.org Indian Streams Research Journal ISSN 2230-7850 Volume-4 | Issue-10 | Nov-2014 Available online at www.isrj.orgt

THE ROLE OF COMMANDOS IN INDIAN SECURITY AND PEACE

Yogesh Kumar

Research Schalor.

Abstract:-Para (Special Forces) are a special forces unit of the mandated with special operating missions such as special operations, direct action, hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, foreign internal defence, personnel recovery, counter-proliferation, counter- insurgency, seek and destroy, and special heliborne operations are its tasks. They are a part of the highly trained Parachute Regiment of the Indian Army and, generally, all the Para (SF) personnel are selected from it.Because of its specified role, the regiment needs to be kept at optimum level of operational efficiency and physical fitness. Towards this end, this specially selected manpower should be comparatively young, physically fit and mentally robust, intelligent, innovative and highly motivated so as to successfully accomplish the assigned operational tasks.

Keywords:Parachute Regiment, Para Commandos, LTTE.

INTRODUCTION The Indian Parachute Regiment was formed on 01 Mar 1945 consisting of four Battalions and an equal number of independent companies. During the demobilisation after the World War II the regiment was disbanded and the battalions were amalgamated with their parent regiments, however they retained their Para role and formed part of the Airborne Division. After independence the Airborne Division was split and 50th and 77th Brigades remained in India with six Para battalions. On 15 Apr 1952 the Parachute Regiment was re-raised by absorbing three Para battalions namely 1st Battalion the (PARA) redesignated as 1st Battalion The Parachute Regiment (PUNJAB), 3rd Battalion the (PARA) redesignated as 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (MARATHA) and 1st Battalion the (PARA) redesignated as 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (KUMAON). These battalions have now been redesignated as 1st Battalion The Parachute Regiment (SF), 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (SF) and 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (SF) respectively. After the 1962 war the regiment was expanded by raising five new Para Battalions and after the 1965 war 9 PARA (Commando) and 10 PARA (Commando) were also raised. Currently the regiment has seven Special Forces (SF) Battalions i.e. 1,2,3,4,9,10 and 21 PARA (SF) and three Airborne battalions i.e. 5, 6 and 7 PARA. (1) During the 1965 Indo-Pak War, an ad hoc commando unit comprised of volunteers from various infantry regiments was organized by Lieutenant Megh Singh of the Brigade of the Guards. The unit was nicknamed, Meghdoot Force, and performed well in combat. Thus in June 1966, the Indian Government authorised the Parachute Regiment to form a permanent commando unit. Known as the 9th Battalion, it was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Megh Singh and he used members from the Meghdoot Force as its backbone. In June 1967 elements of the 9th Battalion, were

Yogesh Kumar,“ THE ROLE OF PARA COMMANDOS IN INDIAN SECURITY AND PEACE” Indian Streams Research Journal | Volume 4 | Issue 10 | Nov 2014 | Online & Print

1 .The Role Of Para Commandos In Indian Security And Peace taken to form a second commando unit, designated as 10th Battalion, at Gwalior. However in July 1967, both units left Gwalior with the 9th Battalion, operating in the northern mountains and the 10th Battalion, operating in the western desert. In 1969, these battalions were renamed as the 9 and 10 Para Commando battalions. (2) Para Commandos had their first taste of combat in the 1971 Indo-Pak War where they performed gallantly. The 9 Para Cdo saw action through a daring raid on a Pakistani gun position at Mandhol. This raid resulted in the destruction of six 122mm guns belonging to the Pakistan Army's 172 Independent Battery. Apart from the destruction of guns, ammunition and other vital equipment, the Pakistanis suffered 37 killed, 41 wounded and a great loss of face. This raid, launched at a crucial time which enabled the 25th Infantry Division to progress their operations on Daruchian (a Pakistani occupied post), won the 9 Para Cdo the of Mandhol. (3) The 10 Para Cdo was baptised in combat with successful raids on enemy posts at Chachro and Virawah, under H.H. Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh Bahadur who won a Maha for these daring raids. By the late 1970s, Indian paratroopers began experimenting with High-Altitude, Low-Opening (HALO) techniques. At the same time, the 1 Para Battalion was selected for conversion into the Army's third Para Commando unit. In the mid-1980s, there were plans of bringing the three Para battalions together under a new aegis of a Special Forces Regiment. However these plans were abandoned, and they continue to be trained and recruited by the Parachute Regiment. (4) 1984 saw the Para Commandos being involved in Operation Bluestar, the eviction of Sikh militants from the Golden Temple in Punjab. 80 members of 1 Para Cdo was given the task of assaulting two areas of the temple, one of which required divers. However, poor intelligence on the strength of the militants, the broad daylight, conventional manner of the raid and the lack of high precision CQB (close quarter battle) skills gave the commandos a hard time. The diver mission was aborted after the first team got bogged down. The commandos eventually achieved their aims but at the cost of 17 dead and many more wounded. (5) The late 1980s saw the Para Commandos in action in . However, lack of proper planning by the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) and insufficient intelligence on the LTTE's whereabouts, led the initial heli-borne assault on 11 October 1987 to be a tragic failure. Six Para Commandos losing their lives in that ill-fated mission. After the failed assault into City, the 10 Para Cdo participated in November 1987 for a heli-borne assault in the town of Moolai, 14 miles to the north-west. 25 guerrillas were killed and an arms depot sized. In order to give the commandos battle experience, 10 Para Cdo was rotated home in early 1988 and replaced by 9 Para Cdo. This battalion was scheduled to return home in June 1988, but the tour of duty was extended due to a planned air assault into the coastal swamps around Mullaittivu. The mission was a great success, in that it located several arms caches. The 9 Para Cdo also provided 12 men for the security of the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka. (6) With the capture of Maldives, an island-nation of the coast of south-western India on 03 November 1988 by PLOTE mercenaries, the Para Commandos were once again called into action. 10 Para Cdo along with the 6 Para flew in on 04 November 1988 in a fleet of IL-76s, An-32s and An- 12 transport aircraft. Later that morning, Mi-8 helicopters were used to fly the 10 Para Cdo to the outlying islands to search for escaping mercenaries. Operation Cactus, as it was called, was successful and ended without any loss of life for 10 Para Cdo or the other Indian troops. Since the mid-90s the role of Para Commandos as a counter terrorist force has increased substantially. They are now actively involved in counter terrorist operations in Kashmir as an essential part of the Home Ministry's decision to conduct pro-active raids against militants in the countryside and mountains. The practice of take-the-fight-to-them involves extensive aerial reconnaissance followed by para- dropping operators into the target area. These missions continue for weeks at a stretch and include raids on terrorist camps and ambushes along infiltration routes. (7) Personnel include Para Commandos, NSG and special units of the - a paramilitary unit created to deal with the Kashmir insurgency. They may also include MARCOS personnel, many of whom are seconded to the Army for CT operations. Despite the Army's insistence, the government has not sanctioned cross border raids on terrorist camps in Pakistan.

Indian Streams Research Journal | Volume 4 | Issue 10 | Nov 2014 2 .The Role Of Para Commandos In Indian Security And Peace

There have been some claims in the press of Para Commandos taking part in hostage rescue missions in Kashmir but no definite details are available. The 9 Para (SF) took active part in the 1999 Kargil conflict, where they conducted a number of raids to remove a combined force of Pakistani special forces (SSG), light infantry and militants who had infiltrated across the border and had dug in on the mountaintops. They typically operated in 6 man teams (5 men and 1 officer) and collected intelligence, such as the number of sentries and gun placements, on mountaintop bunkers using pitch black darkness and night vision as help. They also took part in the follow up raids. (8) The Para Commandos were involved in Operation Khukri, in Sierra Leone in June 2000 where Indian troops were part of a multinational UN peacekeeping force. About 120 operators commanded by Major Harinder Sood were airlifted from New Delhi to spearhead the mission to rescue 223 men of the 5/8 Gorkha Rifles who were surrounded and held captive by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels for over 75 days. The operation, involving Mi-25/35 helicopter gun ships of the and other infantry battalions, was a complete success with no Indian casualties other than a few shrapnel wounds. The SAS (Special Air Service), who were present as part of the British force, loaned the Para Commandos their Chinook transport helicopters for the initial assault. (9) The Para Commando battalions have been re-designated as the 1, 9 and 10 Parachute (Special Forces). On 01 February 1996, the 21 Maratha LI became the next battalion to join the Parachute Regiment and was raised as the 21 Para (SF) by Colonel Vishwas Bhaskar Shinde. The 2, 3 and 4 Parachute battalions have subsequently joined the ranks as 'special forces' battalions. Previously, each Para (SF) battalion had a geographical specialization and remained assigned to that sector, i.e. 1 Para (SF) was specialized for mountain warfare, 9 Para (SF) was specialized for jungle warfare and 10 Para (SF) was specialized for desert warfare. Today, all the Para (SF) battalions are capable of operating under any circumstances - anywhere. The concept of 'geographical specialization' for each Para(SF) battalion has ceased to exist. (10) Para (SF) operate in companies or sometimes even at the battalion level. They are trained in special tactics, unarmed combat and survival in their natural surroundings. They have access to all types of infantry weapons required for a particular mission. All Indian paratroopers are volunteers; some enter the regiments direct from civilian life, while others transfer in from regular army units. There is a probationary period of three months when trainees undergo various physical and mental tests, during which many are rejected. This three month probationary period, is when an individual is tested physically, mentally and psychologically. The individual is subjected to the most harshest of physical and mental stress and strain. During this time the biological clock of the individual is also subjected to changes. As one Para Commando puts it, "Only the 'hard-nuts' are able to stay put, the squeamish get separated out. An alert mind with a 'never-say-die' attitude is what the Para Commandos look for." (11) Those who pass are sent to the PTS (Paratroopers Training School) at Agra, where five static line jumps at 1250 feet, including one at night, entitle the trainee to wear the coveted parachute wings on the right chest and the maroon beret, with the parachute badge attached to it. A commando patch, in light blue letters on a maroon background, is also worn on the right upper sleeve. After receiving their badge, Para (SF) undergo further specialized training to suit them for their role. They return to PTS to undergo the free-fall course, which in order to successfully pass requires at least 50 jumps from altitudes up to 22,500 feet. Both HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) and HAHO (High Altitude High Opening) techniques are learnt. The ability to use the HAHO method and specially designed manoeuvrable parachutes called HAPPS (High Altitude Parachute Penetration System) to conduct stealth insertions over distances up to 50 km is also perfected. (12) Daily routine begins with a 5 km morning run in BDUs (Battle Dress Uniforms) and combat boots after which weapons, land navigation and field craft training is conducted. Infiltration, assault and ambush tactics are refined and perfected. Special attention is given to CQB, urban warfare, counter terror warfare and unarmed combat. Night training involving 20 km treks with 60 kg (132 lb.) loads and live ammo is conducted once a week. Monthly forced marches with 65 kg combat loads over 30 km and quarterly night drops with full combat loads are also conducted. In addition to this in-

Indian Streams Research Journal | Volume 4 | Issue 10 | Nov 2014 3 .The Role Of Para Commandos In Indian Security And Peace house training the commandos also attend a number of schools run by the Army that specialize in unconventional warfare. These include the Junior Leaders' Commando Training Camp in , Karnataka, the Parvat Ghatak School (for high altitude mountain warfare) in Tawang, , the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) in Sonamarg, Kashmir and the Counter Insurgency Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS) in Vairengte, Mizoram. These schools are among the finest of their kind anywhere and routinely host students from other countries. (13) Recently the Indian government has allowed USSOCOM (United States Special Operations Command) personnel to attend courses held by CIJWS and may grant access to HAWS as part for further military cooperation between the two countries. In reciprocation, many operators are sent to the US to train with the Army Rangers and other units. U.S. Army Special Forces have conducted joint HAHO training with the Para Commandos in 1992, underwater training in 1995 and anti-terrorism training in 1997. Para Commandos can also undergo a complete Combat Divers course, in which they earn a combat diver badge. They are also experienced in launching heli-borne assaults and typically employ Mi-8 / Mi-17 type helicopters for this purpose. The Bali-Dan (Sacrifice) badge is conferred after a stint of one year with the Para (SF), or a six month stint with the battalion if it is involved in active operations.

The goals of the Para Commandos are; To function as elite battle units of the infantry. To establish commando superiority in a battle zone. To disrupt enemy operations by clandestine means. To sabotage enemy lines of communication via the command means. To subvert & sabotage enemy vital areas & points by clandestine attacks inside enemy lines. (14)

1.Parachute Regiment- India on Global Security.org 2.Paramilitary Forces Of India - MC Sharma 3.Para Commandos - Jesse Russell, Ronald Cohn 4.Para Commandos – Surhone , Lambert M 5.3 Para - Patrick Bishop 6.www.DefenceNews.in 7.India's Special Forces: History and Future of Special Forces - P C Katoch (Retd Indian Army), Saikat Datta 8.Guardian Angel: Life and Death Adventures with Pararescue, the World’s Most Powerful Commando Rescue Force - William F. Sine 9.R.I.P. The Resurgent Indian Patriots - DEVA MUKUL 10.Danger Close - Colonel Stuart Tootal 11.http://www.facts-about-india.com/Paramilitary-and-Reserved-Forces.php 12.http://www.indianparachuteregiment.kar.nic.in/home.html 13.http://www.photius.com/countries/india/national_security/india_national_security_paramilitar y_forces.html 14.http://www.indianetzone.com/5/indian_paramilitary_forces.html 15.The Indian Special Forces: An Evolving Approach - Balaji Chandramohan

Yogesh Kumar Research Schalor ,

Indian Streams Research Journal | Volume 4 | Issue 10 | Nov 2014 4 Publish Research Article International Level Multidisciplinary Research Journal For All Subjects

Dear Sir/Mam, We invite unpublished Research Paper,Summary of Research Project,Theses,Books and Book Review for publication,you will be pleased to know that our journals are

Associated and Indexed,India

¬International Scientific Journal Consortium ¬OPEN J-GATE

Associated and Indexed,USA

?Google Scholar ?EBSCO ?DOAJ ?Index Copernicus ?Publication Index ?Academic Journal Database ?Contemporary Research Index ?Academic Paper Databse ?Digital Journals Database ?Current Index to Scholarly Journals ?Elite Scientific Journal Archive ?Directory Of Academic Resources ?Scholar Journal Index ?Recent Science Index ?Scientific Resources Database ?Directory Of Research Journal Indexing Indian Streams Research Journal 258/34 Raviwar Peth Solapur-413005,Maharashtra Contact-9595359435 [email protected]/[email protected] Website : www.isrj.org