Sir,
There are ways and means to everything especially when PA is serious about a scenario.
AWACS and UAV can provide surveillance and provide all intel, locations and give coordinates.
How do u think recon on ground works out in the battlefield?
Army Recon regiments (R&S) are tasked with providing recon, intel, enemy movement and strength for its parent Division.
Helicopters are also used for surveillance and monitoring an area.
Similarly, SSG inserts its pathfinders for recon purpose when required. They take ambush positions and stay in hiding and give all intel while moving forward or take a position from where they can have a full view of the enemy and report back all intel.
Police has its own Special Branch which mingles with population and criminals and provides intel.
The issue crippling this operation is basically Punjab Government's petty mindedness; technical capabilities are only brought into question once the Government hands over the operation to military.
Police is now saying there are even anti aircraft weapons being operated by the militants.
Perhaps now is the time to handover matters to the relevant military command?
I am aware of the standard military doctrine, assets, capabilities etc.
When operating in a large hostile territory; SSG is suitable for behind the lines operations including reconnaissance, directing fire or conducting hit & run attacks to bleed/cripple the enemy.
The killer punch is always the regular infantry troops.
SSG should not be wasted on operations where larger formations are a must have.
It can act as a real force multiplier in context of a large force piling on the pressure against the enemy, while SSG operates from behind enemy lines.
However we will not be able to achieve much through SSG alone, in absence of regular troops.
The element of surprise is not with us anymore so SSG will not be able to surprise anyone.
In this case the enemy has inflicted damage on police while taking hostages as well, therefore chances of the enemy being caught with the pants down are not great.
Regarding the various means of reconnaissance, military and air force assets may have been used earlier had this been a military/para-military led operation.
The Police has gone in but it is sadly not used to combined armed operations and will have little input or contribution in terms of directing fire via Gunships etc. or precision strikes through PAF.
Also note that Government was requested by Police for Gunship support but it was denied by Punjab Government because Gunship support shall not come without extensive military involvement.
Now we have to ensure that there is no escape route available for the enemy and clear the jungle sector by sector.
This shall require experienced troops which are used to fighting in large formations, are able to capture/hold territory and can carry out sweeps of the area.