The Naxalites have attacked a town in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh killing 12 security personnel. When the paramilitary forces responded by giving chase to the Naxalites, they retreated to a village and are now taking shelter in the village huts by making the tribals there human shields against the paramilitary forces. Which amongst the following statements is the best response by the paramilitary forces in this situation ?

In a counter-insurgency scenario involving human shields, the primary objective of security forces is to minimize civilian casualties while neutralizing the threat. Opening fire (Option 1) or using air power (Option 3) in a populated village would violate human rights and lead to significant collateral damage, which often fuels further insurgency . Surrounding the village to isolate the insurgents and offering a peaceful surrender policy aligns with the National Policy and Action Plan, which emphasizes both security and development to address Naxalite/Maoist insurgency . This approach adheres to the principles of 'minimum force' and 'distinction' under international humanitarian law. Using 'special police officers' (Option 4) to attack within a human shield context is tactically risky and legally contentious. Therefore, negotiation and a surrender-based resolution represent the most ethical and strategic response to protect innocent tribals while upholding the rule of law.

Sources

1. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Assam > p. 56
2. [2] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Security > p. 789