The Kashmir Dialogues
By M S Nazki
-We will start this one with a short story to warm up the readers!
-The silence in the Valley of the Seven Peaks was deceptive. Colonel Vikram Singh knew that enemy forces had established a command bunker behind an insurmountable granite wall, invisible to conventional aerial reconnaissance.
-The old methods were failing. Ground assaults meant immense casualties, and artillery shells only chipped the granite. But Vikram had a new ally: “Project Draupadi,” an experimental swarm drone unit driven by AI.
-The Innovation in Action:
-Instead of using one large, expensive reconnaissance drone, Vikram deployed fifty micro-drones, each smaller than a pigeon. These drones were designed for “high-risk ground support,” navigating the narrowest mountain crevices where radars could not reach.
-“Draupadi, initiate swarm-surveillance,” Vikram commanded.
-The drones acted as a single organism, utilizing autonomous AI mapping to create a 3D model of the terrain. The AI detected that a subtle thermal anomaly—a heat vent—was actually a disguised air shaft for the underground bunker.
-Adapting on the Fly
-However, a sudden jamming signal disrupted the command link. A traditional operator would have been blind. But the new AI systems are “adaptable to changing combat scenarios”. The drone swarm shifted to an autonomous ‘seek-and-neutralize’ mode without needing human input.
-Guided by AI, the micro-drones navigated the thermal vent, maneuvering into the command center. There, they didn’t deploy explosives; they used high-frequency resonance pulses to jam the enemy’s own command electronics—a “smart” approach to neutralizing the threat with minimal collateral damage.
-The Outcome
-Within ten minutes, the command bunker was incapacitated. The enemy, unable to communicate, surrendered before a single soldier stepped into the fire zone.
-Vikram looked at his tablet, which now showed the neutralized area, his face stoic. “In warfare, we don’t just innovate to destroy,” he told his aide. “We innovate to make the impossible possible.”…………….The story is fictional but demonstrates what innovation is all about………………Mohini Sambyal!
-The Rising Star Corps (IX Corps) is the youngest operational corps of the Indian Army, raised on September 1, 2005, to oversee security in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. Based at Yol, Himachal Pradesh, it was created by splitting the Nagrota-based XVI ‘White Knight’ Corps.
-Key Historical Facts of the Rising Star Corps
-Raising: Raised in 2005 to bolster the security structure of the Northern Command, later becoming part of the Chandimandir-based Western Command.
-Command Structure: The first General Officer Commanding (GOC) was Lieutenant General Anup Singh Jamwal.
-Operational Area: Its area of responsibility spans areas of Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh.
-Role and Function: It focuses on maintaining security in the Jammu region. The corps frequently conducts “Know Your Army” events to engage with local youth.
-The corps is deeply integrated into the local military landscape, managing security installations and conducting community outreach programs.
-The Indian Army’s Rising Star Corps (IX Corps) is a pivotal strike formation under Western Command, tasked with defending sensitive sectors in Jammu, Samba, and Kathua. It is crucial for maintaining rapid combat readiness, integrating modern technology like drones and Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs), and securing Jammu and Kashmir’s border against infiltrations and cross-border threats.
-Key Strategic Roles:
-Operational Readiness & Security: Headquartered at Yol (Himachal Pradesh) with a major base at Mamun (Pathankot), the Corps monitors key border areas and maintains a high state of combat readiness against security threats.
-Integration of IBGs: The corps plays a key role in testing and validating Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs), enabling faster strike capabilities in the region.
-Technological Advancement: The Corps actively integrates advanced technology, including drones, unmanned ground systems, and modern infantry weapons for multi-domain warfare, notes this Instagram post.
-Counter-Terrorism & Border Security: The Rising Star Corps has a vital role in responding to terrorism and infiltrations in the Jammu sector, notes this Kashmir News Observer report.
-Strategic Preparedness Reviews: Regular visits by senior commanders highlight its role in maintaining a robust, proactive defense against changing security challenges, according to this Precious Kashmir report.
-What are Integrated Battle Groups:
-Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) are agile, self-sufficient, brigade-sized combat formations (approx. 5,000 personnel) of the Indian Army, designed to launch swift, coordinated strikes within 12-48 hours. They integrate infantry, artillery, armour, drones, and engineers to enhance speed and operational efficiency along borders.
-Key Aspects of Integrated Battle Groups:
-Structure: Led by a Major General, IBGs are larger than a brigade but smaller than a division, providing flexibility in modern warfare.
-Purpose: Part of the “Cold Start” doctrine, these formations enable rapid, shallow, and intense strikes into enemy territory to achieve objectives, preventing full-scale escalation.
-Self-Reliance: Unlike traditional formations, IBGs are self-contained with all combat and support elements, reducing the need for external support.
-Tailored Deployment: Formations are customized based on the 3Ts: Threat, Terrain, and Task.
-Usage Examples and Context:
-Deployment Scenarios: IBGs are meant to be positioned along both western (Pakistan) and northern/eastern (China) borders for quick operational deployment.
-Operational Readiness: The 17 Strike Corps, focused on the China border, plans to use IBGs for faster mobilization.
-Mountain Warfare: Due to challenging terrain in the Northeast, specialized, smaller IBGs are geared for swift movement.
The IBG concept represents a crucial, modern change towards a faster, more lethal army capable of acting within 48 hours.
-What are Ashni Platoons:
-Indian Army GOC Rising Star Corps reviewed the operational preparedness of Ashni Platoons in Samba – commending their battle-readiness, high morale & commitment to mission success.
-Army’s drone platoons take flight:
- Ashni Platoons are newly raised, specialized drone units within the Indian Army’s infantry battalions, designed to provide real-time reconnaissance and precision-strike capabilities. Acting as an “invisible Third Eye,” these 20-person teams operate surveillance and suicide (kamikaze) drones to enhance combat potential, particularly in high-altitude, mountainous, and urban warfare.
-Key Details of Ashni Platoons:
-Usage and Role: Each platoon is equipped with a mix of surveillance drones (for intelligence) and loitering munitions (kamikaze drones) to detect and destroy enemy positions, including bunkers and armor.
-Deployment: These platoons were deployed in the Kameng sector of Arunachal Pradesh and are being integrated into infantry battalions to offer rapid, local sensor-to-shooter effects.
-Significance: Developed as part of the “Year of Technology Absorption 2024” to advance drone warfare, these units serve as a deterrent and increase the Army’s effectiveness in counter-insurgency and traditional combat.
-Related Terms:
-Ashni (Fire) Battalions/Units
-Drone Platoons
-Third Eye (due to their reconnaissance function)
The introduction of Ashni Platoons, along with other units like the Bhairav light strike battalions, marks a shift toward network-driven operations focusing on speed, precision, and minimizing personnel risks.
In August 2015, Samba residents Rakesh Sharma and Vikramjeet displayed immense bravery by helping the Indian Army capture Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Mohammad Naveed. Despite fear, they assisted in neutralizing the threat, earning the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Bravery Award.
-Key Details of the Incident:
-Location: Samba District, Jammu and Kashmir.
-The Act: They helped secure the terrorist Mohammad Naveed (also known as Mohammad Usman) on August 5, 2015.
-Recognition: Rakesh Kumar Sharma (24) and Vikramjeet Sharma (33) were awarded for their contribution to fighting terrorism in the region.
-Quote: They modestly described their action as small compared to the sacrifices of soldiers guarding the country.
-This story highlights the vigilant role of locals in the Samba border district in supporting national security forces…………….Mohini Sambyal!
-About Samba Cantonment:
-Samba Cantonment in Jammu is a strategic military area rooted in the historic town of Samba, established around 1400 A.D. as a Dogra Rajput principality and later integral to Jammu’s defence. Known as the “Land of Rajput Warriors,” it has evolved from a 19th-century princely stronghold into a key modern military outpost on the Jammu-Pathankot highway.
-Historical Significance
-Establishment: Traditionally believed to be established in 1400 A.D. by Malh Dev, a scion of the Lakhanpur ruling house, who established the Samba principality, according to the District Samba website.
-Dogra Era: In 1816 A.D., the region came under the control of Jammu under Raja Hari Dev.
-Raja Suchet Singh: In 1822, it was given to Suchet Singh, brother of Raja Gulab Singh, who established 22 ‘Mandies’ (local markets), cementing its economic importance.
-Integration: In 1846 A.D., it was formally integrated into the state of Jammu and Kashmir under Maharaja Gulab Singh.
-Military Role and Geography
-Strategic Location: Situated on the banks of the Basantar River on the NH-1A highway, the cantonment is highly crucial for security, notes Directorate of Tourism Jammu.
-Land of Warriors: The area is known as the “Land of Rajput Warriors” and has a high concentration of soldiers serving in the Indian Armed Forces.
-Military Incidents: The area has been a target of terrorism, including attacks on the cantonment, notably in 2008 and 2013!
-Key Historical Sites within the Area
-Samba Fort: Built during the princely era, it was a central landmark for the administration of the area, though it was transitioned to use as a school in 1905.
-Cultural Legacy: The area is famously recognized for traditional calico printing and is sometimes referred to as the “City of Sheets” because of it!
-As a District, Samba came into existence via Government order No. 1345 GAD of 2006 dated 27.10.2006 with only one Tehsil and 382 villages. As per the latest SRO No. 444 dated 21.10.2014 the district comprises 381 villages. These villages have been organized into 6 Tehsils, 55 Patwar Halquas and 101 Panchayats. Besides this, four urban towns viz. Samba, Vijaypur, Ramgarh and Bari Brahmana are also part of this District.
-The warriors of Samba:
-Famous as land of Rajput warriors, the district has produced many gallant soldiers including the recipient of the first gallantry award of Independent India Brigadier Rajinder Singh, MVC. Samba is also famous for traditional Calico Printing, where local dyes and wooden blocks are used for block printing of weaved cotton fabrics (bed sheets). It is for this reason that it is also known as ‘City of Sheets’.
-Samba district in Jammu and Kashmir is renowned as a “land of Rajput warriors” and has a rich history of producing gallant soldiers for the Indian Armed Forces, including the recipient of the first gallantry award of Independent India.
-Here are some of the notable soldiers and martyrs from the Samba district:
-Brigadier Rajinder Singh Jamwal, MVC: Known as the ‘Saviour of Kashmir’ and the ‘Immortal Dogra’, he was the first recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra (posthumously). As Chief of Army Staff of the J&K State Forces, he led 150 men to stop Pakistani raiders in 1947, sacrificing his life on October 27, 1947.
-Lt Col Narain Singh Samyal: A veteran of the Second World War (Burma operation), he was the Commanding Officer of 4 JAK Riff and was killed in action in 1947 while fighting invaders.
-Havildar Roshan Lal: Hailed from Nichla village in Ghagwal tehsil, he was part of 15 JAK Li and was martyred in 2018 while guarding the border in the Rajouri sector.
-Rajneesh Kumar Sharma: A Shaurya Chakra recipient from Sarwa village in Ramgarh, he was a soldier in the First Jammu and Kashmir Rifles and was martyred in 2002 while fighting terrorists in the Mendhar sector.
-Naik Mukesh Singh Manhas: A resident of Kamila village, he made the supreme sacrifice in an IED blast near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Akhnoor sector in February 2025.
-Sepoy Kaushal Singh: A resident of Samba who laid down his life in 2017 while serving in the Nowgam sector, with his last rites performed at Utterbehni.
-Lieutenant Bhawani Singh Jamwal: A young officer from Kaloa village (Nand) who recently made the district proud by joining the Indian Army.
-Other Notable Contextual Information:
-Battle of Basantar (1971): Samba is associated with this famous battle, and the district civil society pays tribute annually to soldiers, including 2nd Lt Arun Khetarpal, who was cremated near Samba.
-BSF Personnel: Samba is a border district and frequently sees acts of bravery from Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, including Assistant Commandant Vinay Prasad, who was lost to a sniper bullet on patrol.
We started with a story and ended it like this: The red light inside the armored vehicle was the only illumination, bathing the faces of the five-man Special Operations team in a crimson hue. Outside, in the urban jungle of a conflict zone, drones hummed, and the smell of cordite hung heavy. Sergeant Elias Thorne checked his tablet, the live feed from their micro-drone showing movement in the compound ahead. “They know we’re here,” Elias said, his voice calm, contrasting with the adrenaline spiking in his chest. “IEDs on the entry point. We take the roof.”
Modern war wasn’t about massive troop movements; it was about precision, technology, and absolute bravery in close quarters. Their mission was to neutralize a high-value target (HVT) responsible for coordinating suicide attacks, without harming the civilians trapped in the building. As they breached the rooftop, the enemy opened fire. A hail of bullets struck the metal doorframe above Elias’s head. “Cover!” he yelled.
His teammate, Corporal Amina, immediately launched a localized jammer to cut off the enemy’s drone support. Elias, exposing himself to direct fire, threw a smoke grenade to blind the enemy snipers. Under the cover of white smoke, the team moved with practiced efficiency.
The battle raged in the dark, cramped hallways. In modern urban combat, every wall, hole, and corner was a threat. The HVT was barricaded in the basement, surrounded by civilians.
As they reached the stairway, a soldier next to Elias went down, hit in the leg. The hallway was a kill zone.
Elias made a split-second decision. “Amina, provide suppressive fire! I’m going for him!”
Elias ran into the open, ignoring the bullets whizzing around him. He grabbed the wounded soldier, dragging him behind a reinforced concrete pillar.
“Go! Get him out!” Elias ordered Amina, taking over her position.
Elias, now alone, faced the HVT alone. He didn’t use an explosive, which would have killed the civilians. Instead, using his night-vision goggles, he moved with silent speed, taking down the combatants one by one using close-quarter battle techniques.
When he reached the final barricaded room, the HVT held a detonator. Elias didn’t hesitate. He rushed forward, tackling the HVT before the button could be pressed, neutralizing the threat instantly.
Minutes later, as the medevac helicopter hovered, Elias watched his wounded teammate being loaded. He was covered in soot, exhausted, and shaky.
“You took a massive risk back there, Sgt,” his commanding officer whispered over the radio.
Elias looked at the rescued civilians being guided to safety. “It wasn’t a risk, sir,” he replied quietly. “It was the job.”
Bravery in modern war wasn’t just about dying for your country; it was about living and doing everything in your power to save your comrades and the innocent, right to the very last second.
This story is inspired by accounts of Special Operations forces and urban warfare bravery, emphasizing the human courage required in technologically advanced combat environments…………..This has found a place in my!
M S Nazki
