Briggs Plan

The Briggs Plan was a military strategy used by the British during the Malayan Emergency (1948-1960) to combat communist insurgents. It involved relocating rural villages into fortified clusters called "New Villages" to cut off insurgents from their support base—food, supplies, and local assistance. This allowed security forces to better control areas, gather intelligence, and protect civilians. The plan also promoted agricultural development and social services to win hearts and minds. Overall, it aimed to weaken the insurgents' influence and restore stability in the region through strategic population control and community support.