60 US marines arrives in Mizoram for training on guerilla warfare

Aizawl/Shillong, Aug 28 (UNI) In all 60 American marines arrived at Counter-Insurgency Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS) at Vairengte in Mizoram today for joint exercises with elite Indian soldiers.

The visiting US marines would be trained on unconventional warfare or low intensity conflict, besides simulated anti-insurgency operation for the American soldiers, Commandant of CIJW School Brigadier Rakesh Mohan Painuly said.

The training will go on till September 16.

The US troops, which arrived yesterday, belong to the US Army's special force.

This was the fourth such exercise in counter-insurgency between the two countries.

The earlier exercises were held in 2003, 2004 and 2005.

Besides the US troops, soldiers from 20 other countries have so far undergone training at the school to learn to fight guerrillas.

The school at Vairengte is considered one of the world's most prestigious anti-terrorist institution with troops from several countries getting counter-insurgency training.

Welcoming the troops, which arrived yesterday for the counter -insurgency training, Brigadier Rakesh Painuly emphasised the importance of joint training with foreign soldiers.

He also stressed on the Indian Army's doctrine for Sub- Conventional warfare, which had been released recently, and emphasised on the concept of 'Iron Fist with Velvet Glove', which implied a humane approach towards the populace at large in the conflict zone.

This also entailed the use of overwhelming force only against foreign terrorists while affording full opportunity to indigenous misguided elements to shun violence and join the mainstream.

The Brigadier reminded the soldiers that people constituted the 'centre of gravity' of such operation, and winning their hearts was central to all efforts during conflict management and resolution.

UNI