India has been going through a systematic state-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan since 1989 and the Indian armed forces, including the police and paramilitary have been battling the situation with extreme valour and sacrifice.
Sanjay Bahadur’s book Bite of the Black Dogs accounts a very vivid and clear modus operandi of the perpetrators of terrorism and the induction of weapons, equipment and the funds for running the organisation. The special forces are trained and motivated to take missions like the one mentioned in the book. Their ability to take risks and sacrifice are described with explicit narratives. The book amplifies how the armed forces — a self-driven force, once familiar with their mission — accomplish the tasks despite heavy odds.
The dynamics of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the people, places, topography, the treacherous climate and the divide of Pir Panjal has been narrated so incisively by Bahadur that even those who have not seen these areas would understand the extremes of difficulty in operating in such areas.
The book starts from Pakistan with the Mujahedeen taking up the mission to reach India through various means to link with the sleeper cells and deliver weapons, cash and material.
In a setting of real combat, the armed forces are dispersed. They face difficulty in distinguishing between friend and foe. Added to this is the dark, combating treacherous terrain and weather. Bahadur narrates how the troops march on facing grenades and automatic weapons fire very eloquently. Leadership aspects are superbly twined with the flow of events clearly displaying the commitment and zeal of the leaders at every level. Bahadur is careful to keep the morale of the forces high. Typical battlefield situations not only show valour but also camaraderie, highlighting extrication coupled with individual daredevil actions. All in all, the book is a moving record of real-time handling of the situation by the armed forces today in Jammu and Kashmir.
Having served in the Army for about 40 years in various capacities, this book will bring awareness about the difficult times our armed forces are facing to retain our nationhood.
The writer is former Chief of Staff Northern Command
