Lack of communication device may have cost Major his life

The Major himself was wired up with a VOX (voice operated switch) system that kept him in constant touch with the leaders of other teams involved in the operation. A VOX system picks up even a whisper from a user, and enables him to speak and listen without having to use his hands.

However, as per standard NSG operating procedures, no member of his three-man “hit team” had any kind of radio communication device on his person.

Just before he was hit, Major Unnikrishnan had managed to push one of his injured commandos — a havaldar — to safety by arranging for his evacuation in the middle of a fierce gunbattle. Then, as he tried to chase the terrorists, a grenade was lobbed at his team.

“Following the grenade explosion, the Major got separated from his team but instead of coming down, he followed the terrorists to another floor upstairs. There, he found himself caught in a cloud of smoke, and wanted to tell his team not to come up,” a senior NSG official told The Indian Express.

Since his men had no communications devices, the Major had no way other than to call out loud.

The assumption now being made is that by doing so, he revealed his position and let the terrorists know he was probably alone in their midst. NSG officials said that not providing VOX sets to team members has been a tactical decision. “A hit team usually has five members who are not supposed to engage in any verbal communication with each other. Since they have to be together at all times, the only way they communicate is through gestures. So, only the team leader is provided with VOX so that he can communicate with other team leaders and operation commanders,” said an official.

Officials added that it had been observed during training that equipping all team members with communication devices led to confusion and distractions.

Another key issue being actively discussed now relates to procuring state of the art communications equipment to replace the “cumbersome” radio sets that commandos currently use. “We use a wireless set which is clipped on to the belt and is connected to the earphone and the microphone with a wire assembly. The VOX equipment is also attached to this wire,” an official explained.

“Nowadays, there are wireless technologies available where all one requires is a small ear-plug and a microphone. We have such sets but having more of them will surely help,” said a commando who was involved in the Mumbai operations said.

STEALTHY EXCHANGES

A VOX (Voice Operated eXchange), is a switch that is activated when it detects sound over a certain threshold. Turns on a transmitter when someone speaks, turns it off when they stop. Superior to conventional PTT (Push-to-Talk) buttons, does not need manual operation; favoured by special operations forces.

TRANSMITTER is strapped on to commando’s outfit, with earpiece to head, triggering-sensor close to face — ready to catch whispered communication between members of a team. Circuit stays activated for a short time after sound stops. This is to keep communication going during short pauses in speech.

AMBIENT NOISE is a problem VOX switches face.

Unwanted background noise may trigger transmitter for long periods if combat involves heavy firing. This could potentially lead to distractions.