Suppose a terrorist group has laid siege to the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar, Kashmir. They have also taken around 80 civilians hostage. Which one among the following will be the best response by the security forces in this situation ?

In high-stakes hostage situations at sensitive religious sites like the Hazratbal Shrine, security forces prioritize minimizing collateral damage and avoiding public backlash. The Hazratbal Shrine is the most revered Islamic site in Kashmir, housing the holy relic of Prophet Mohammad. Historical precedents, such as the 1993 siege, demonstrate that negotiations and patience are preferred over immediate military force to prevent communal tension and damage to the structure. Operation Blue Star (1984) serves as a cautionary example where direct military action on a holy site deeply hurt religious sentiments. The National Security Guard (NSG), specifically the 52 Special Action Group, is the specialized federal unit trained for precise hostage rescue operations [1]. Therefore, utilizing a local mediator to buy time for a surgical NSG intervention is the most strategic response to ensure civilian safety and preserve the sanctity of the shrine.

Sources

1. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/51_Special_Action_Group