Before Operation Sindoor, there was Operation Maa. Its lessons must be remembered

Indian Express

2 days ago

Written by Rajesh Kalia
Traditional counter-terrorism operations often prioritise the neutralisation of terrorists as the primary metric of success. However, here I would like to present a compelling case for a paradigm shift, arguing that a long-term solution to terrorism requires a strategy that addresses its root causes and prevents radicalisation at its source. Drawing on the Indian Army's 'Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove' policy in the Kashmir Valley, let us examine a unique counter-insurgency operation that focused on 'mind space management'. An important study shows that an understanding of local culture and religious traditions, combined with a direct appeal to the revered status of mothers, led to a significant number of young men abandoning terrorism and returning to the mainstream.
While the role of security forces in defending national sovereignty is indisputable, a purely kinetic approach fails to address the underlying ideological and social factors that drive youth to join terror ranks. The adage, 'soldiers fight terrorists, the state fights terrorism,' underscores this distinction. Let us examine an innovative approach employed in the Kashmir Valley, where the Indian Army launched a counter-terrorist operation focused on mind space management, using a message as its primary weapon.
This strategy, implemented before major operations like Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev, sought to 'win the hearts and minds' (WHAM) of the local population.
The foundation of this operation was the intelligent use of knowledge from ancient texts. Initially, a message based on a Sanskrit verse by Lord Ram — 'Lakshman, even this golden Lanka does not appeal to me. Mother and motherland are superior even to heaven' – was considered. This reflects a universal value that homeland and family are superior to material wealth. However, concerns arose regarding its potential reception in a predominantly Muslim region.
A crucial pivot was made after a collaboration with Sumir Kaul from the Press Trust of India and several Islamic scholars. Research into Islamic teachings revealed the exalted status of the mother. A specific Hadith states, 'Do good to and serve your mother, then your mother, then your mother and then your father'. It highlights that a mother is to be shown kindness and good treatment three times more than the father. This noble thought became the ideological cornerstone of Operation Maa (Mother).
The methodology of Operation Maa involved a multi-pronged outreach programme.
The armed forces interacted with religious teachers and village elders to disseminate the message of peace and direct appeals were made to parents. This was done specifically with mothers to leverage their revered status in society and appeal to them to discourage their children from joining terrorist groups. In a display of respect for human rights, the Indian Army would, on occasion, halt ongoing encounters to bring families to the site, allowing mothers to directly appeal to their sons to surrender.
A study conducted by the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps in mid-2019 provided critical data to support this non-kinetic strategy. The study analysed the lifespan of terrorists and found a compelling correlation: A significant percentage of neutralised terrorists had a history of being stone-pelters. The lifespan of a newly inducted terrorist was remarkably short: 7 per cent were neutralised within 10 days, 9 per cent within a month, 17 per cent within three months and a staggering 64 per cent were eliminated within one year of joining. These findings were made public to highlight the dangers and futility of terrorism, serving as a powerful deterrent. This data, combined with the successful execution of Operation Maa, demonstrated that a significant number of young men, under the influence of their mothers' appeals, chose to drop their weapons and return to the mainstream.
This validates the 'iron fist in a velvet glove' policy, which posits that military force must be used against those who threaten the state, while a compassionate approach is reserved for those willing to renounce violence. The success of Operation Maa demonstrates that a holistic counter-terrorism strategy must extend beyond the battlefield. While security forces must be effective in combat, they also need a reasonable knowledge of the local culture and traditions, irrespective of their personal beliefs.
This understanding allows for the creation of messages that resonate deeply with the target audience. The strategic use of a Hadith in a Muslim-majority region was far more effective than a Sanskrit message, as it directly appealed to a deeply held religious and cultural value. The implications of this strategy are profound for counter insurgency doctrine globally and suggests that success should not be limited to the number of terrorists eliminated, but should also include the number of youth prevented from joining terrorist ranks.
Security forces must be trained in cultural sensitivity and local traditions to build trust and credibility. The family unit, particularly mothers, can be a powerful force for de-radicalisation.
The Kashmir Valley operation exemplifies a nuanced and effective counter-terrorism model. By blending military might with a culturally informed and empathetic approach, the Indian Army demonstrated that the most significant battles are often won not with bullets, but with a profound understanding of the human heart and mind.
By blending operational strength with a deep respect for cultural values, the Indian Army is not just fighting a war against terror; it is fighting to secure a future of peace, one heart and mind at a time.
The writer is a former defence spokesman in Srinagar and a retired Indian Army officer