Thank you dear subscribers, we are overwhelmed with your response.
Your Turn is a unique section from ThePrint featuring points of view from its subscribers. If you are a subscriber, have a point of view, please send it to us. If not, do subscribe here: https://theprint.in/subscribe/
22 Para SF or Mavericks/ Establishment 22, the shadow warriors of this country, the Mavericks are Special Forces Unit of Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW) This Special Forces is the most elite and deadly unit in India and consists of highly trained and technologically advanced soldiers.
The Foundation
The Mavericks or the Special Group was formed in 1981 and came into proper existence after 1982, A Highly Secret Project Sunray was taken up to recruit personnel’s from Indian Army and make a separate Special Groups for Research & Analysis Wing(R&AW). The Need of a “ Special Group/ Force for Intelligence was felt after the 1962 War and later when R&AW formed in 1968. The Need of Mavericks was also important because R&AW was expanding its operations and during that time the hostility from neighbors was also increasing and, R&AW didn’t have highly trained force or “Combat Power “or capacity to conduct offensive actions who can conduct covert and effective operations against enemies. R&AW agents are mainly deployed to gather Intelligence and mounting surveillance but a Special Force can covertly conduct offensive operations, black operations(clandestine) and have the capacity to destroy imminent/immediate threats across the border. To facilitate the whole formation, process a Secret Department was created which is known as DG Security and these Special Groups are kept under this secret department. Due to the maintenance of Secrecy, these Special Groups do not come under the Indian Army, they are directly accountable to R&AW.
The Training
Mavericks have got their training from CIA, MI6, and mostly from Mossad and Israel Special Force Sayeret Matkal. The Headquarters of SGs are at some secret location at Sarsawa, Uttar Pradesh. Each Squadron in Special Groups is specialized in some of the other sets of skills. Training is considered to be harder than the Indian Army. They are equipped with highly advanced gadgets and Weaponry system. They are also sent to Israel for advanced training.
The Mandate
The Mavericks are responsible to carry out high profile assassinations, Tough and Sensitive Counter-Terror Operations, Black Operations, Intelligence/ Espionage Operations jointly with R&AW. They are also specialized to carry out Direct Combat Actions and Surgical Strikes in coordination with the Indian Army.
Mavericks In Action
Mavericks were instrumental in conducting surgical strikes in 2016, Some Sources say that they were part of the team.
Raid on Pakistan Nuclear Facilities
During Kargil War, Mavericks were ready to raid at Pakistan Nuclear Facilities which are situated near bordering areas however this plan was called off.
Operation Blue Star
Mavericks played a major role in Operation Blue Star, they were instrumental for the death of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and Shabeg Singh, It has been said that Mavericks used Secretly purchased Ak-47s which was exclusively possessed by Mavericks at that time.
Operation Thunder Bolt
Some Insiders also say that Mavericks and R&AW helped Mossad and Israel Special Forces in rescuing hostages from Uganda’s Entebbe airport.
Counter Terror Operations in Kashmir Mavericks played an instrumental role in conducting Counter-Terror Operations at Line of Control, from time to time Mavericks provided support to the Indian Army for effective operations against Terrorists in Kashmir and the bordering areas of Line of Control.
There are many more operations which are classified or never got recorded, The Mavericks are the ultimate warriors but the sad part is that they are shadow warriors or unsung heroes, The Indian Government does not associate themselves with them and thus, they are not trained by Indian Army, they are mostly trained by Mossad and Israel Special Forces and other Intelligence Agencies which made Mavericks near to “Invincible” These Mavericks secretly protect the country by becoming Shadow Warriors and they will continue to provide a Secret Shield without getting recognized/credit or getting any award.
These pieces are being published as they have been received – they have not been edited/fact-checked by ThePrint.