Which one of the following should be avoided by the patrolling party while patrolling in an extremist affected area?

In extremist-affected areas, particularly those prone to Left Wing Extremism (LWE), security forces must adhere to tactical Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to mitigate risks. Option A is the correct answer because patrolling parties are strictly advised to avoid using established roads (whether 'pucca' or 'kacha') and predictable tracks. These routes are high-risk zones where insurgents frequently plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) or lay ambushes. Instead, forces are trained to move cross-country to maintain the element of surprise and avoid predictability.

Options B, C, and D are standard safety practices that should be followed: vigilance for mines/IEDs is crucial; maintaining distance (inter-spacing) ensures that a single blast or burst of fire does not cause mass casualties; and maintaining formation ensures 360-degree security and operational discipline.