The Naxalites have attacked a town in Dantewada district of Chhattisga

The Naxalites have attacked a town in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh killing 12 security personnel. When the paramilitary forces responded by giving chase to the Naxalites, they retreated to a village and are now taking shelter in the village huts by making the tribals there human shields against the paramilitary forces. Which amongst the following is the best response by the paramilitary forces in this situation?

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The paramilitary forces should open fire on the village as it is hiding the Naxalites

The paramilitary forces should surround the village and negotiate, offer a surrender policy peacefully to avoid civilian casualties by offering a surrender policy

The paramilitary forces should utilize air power to target the Naxalites from the air

The paramilitary forces should surround the village and then send in ‘special police officers’ to attack the Naxalites

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2011

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Option B is the best response. The situation involves Naxalites using civilians as human shields, creating a complex ethical and tactical challenge. The priority must be to minimize civilian casualties while addressing the threat posed by the Naxalites.

Surrounding the village isolates the Naxalites. Negotiating and offering a peaceful surrender policy provides an avenue for the Naxalites to give up without forcing the paramilitary forces to engage in a way that would endanger the trapped villagers. This approach attempts to resolve the situation with the least possible harm to innocent civilians.

Options A and C, involving opening fire or using air power directly on the village, would inevitably lead to a high number of civilian deaths, which is unacceptable in counter-insurgency operations focused on winning hearts and minds and protecting the populace. Option D, sending in forces to attack, might still result in significant collateral damage given the use of human shields. The principle of minimum force and protection of civilians is paramount in such scenarios, making negotiation and a surrender offer the most appropriate initial response.

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