Why in news?
The Indian Army’s Counter‑Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS) at Vairengte, Mizoram, came into focus after it conducted joint training exercises for friendly foreign armies in 2025. The school is known for honing soldiers’ skills for jungle and guerrilla warfare.
About the school
- Establishment: CIJWS was set up in 1967 following experiences in the Naga Hills and Mizo insurgencies. It has since evolved into a premier institution for low‑intensity conflict training.
- Location: Situated at Vairengte near the Assam–Mizoram border, the surrounding thick forests and rugged terrain provide a realistic training environment.
- Motto and ethos: Its motto is “Fight the guerrilla like a guerrilla.” Trainees are taught to adapt, improvise and use stealth rather than conventional tactics.
Training modules
- Counter‑insurgency tactics: Ambushes, raids, cordon‑and‑search operations, intelligence gathering and psychological operations.
- Survival skills: Living off the land, navigation, improvising shelters, first aid and evasion techniques in dense forests.
- Interoperability: The school trains personnel from India’s armed forces, paramilitary forces and friendly foreign countries, fostering cooperation in joint operations.
Significance
- The institution has enhanced the Indian Army’s capability to operate effectively in northeastern states and other jungle environments.
- By hosting foreign contingents, it strengthens defence diplomacy and showcases India’s expertise in counter‑insurgency operations.
Conclusion
CIJWS reflects India’s experience in asymmetric warfare and continues to play a vital role in preparing troops for challenging environments.