The Hindu : Lack of intelligence hampers STF operations

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Sep 04, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Karnataka

Lack of intelligence hampers STF operations

By R. Krishna Kumar

KOLLEGAL SEPT. 3. The forest brigand, Veerappan, continues to elude the dragnet spread by the Special Task Force in the absence of reliable intelligence about his movements despite closing in on suspected hideouts around Gundal, Doddasampige and Burude forests.

This underlines the fact that conventional combing and patrolling are not effective, as the gang has acquired sufficient knowledge about the STF operations over the years. The message sent by the Government that its priority was to secure the safe release of the abducted former Minister, H. Nagappa, and also prevent the bandit from crossing over to Tamil Nadu, has put additional pressure on the STF.

Experts point out that the emphasis should be on observation and the "reaction time" to reach a hideout on receiving information reduced. At present, the STF is reckoned to reach specific points "slowly" giving the bandit time to flee. The lack of reliable intelligence has forced the STF to spread itself thin and wide across M.M.Hills, Gundal, B.R.Hills with concentration of forces at strategic locales. There is strong STF presence near Lokanahalli, Odeyarapalya, K.G.Palya, Dinahalli, Huggiyam, Punjur spread across the Doddasampige range of mountains beyond which are the B.R.Hills. But the large number of STF personnel is working against itself whereas the bandit is known to employ guerrilla warfare.

Intelligence gathering has been a major setback for the STF in the past four years with only a police officer of the rank of inspector being posted for intelligence duty. Likewise, the counter-guerrilla warfare entails the presence of a strong special group. The Arakesh report had underlined the need to train and equip two commando groups to be used for special operations on securing specific information about the gang. But the demand for Central police forces following the abduction of the former Minister proves that the STF has been treading the beaten path.

But in the absence of intelligence gathering, no results can be achieved even with Central forces. According to Major General, Sudhir Vombatkere (retd.), "any outside force roped in for specific operation takes time to familiarise itself with the area. The operation can also be chalked out based on intelligence reports provided by the local personnel who are familiar with the terrain.''

It is, therefore, clear that even if Central forces such as the BSF, the CRPF or the Indo-Tibetan Border Police is ordered to take over the "nab-Veerappan operation'', it is on the STF that they have to depend for intelligence. However, the STF is groping in the dark.

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