Jammu and Kashmir Police has formed a specialized high-altitude warfare unit, “Snow Leopards,” to counter terrorists shifting operations to mountainous and forested regions.
Mar 07, Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police has formed a specialized high-altitude warfare unit named “Snow Leopards” to counter terrorists increasingly operating from mountainous and forested regions of the Valley, officials said.
The unit comprises specially selected personnel from the police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) and has been created in response to the shifting pattern of terrorist activity from urban centers to remote and difficult terrain.
Security officials said terrorist activity in recent years has gradually moved toward high-altitude areas, including dense forests and regions close to the Line of Control (LoC). The new unit aims to strengthen counterterrorism operations in such challenging environments.
Named after the snow leopard, an animal known for its agility and ability to survive in harsh mountain conditions, the unit is designed to operate in extreme weather and rugged landscapes.
Personnel assigned to the Snow Leopards unit undergo specialized training in high-altitude warfare, movement across snow-covered and glacial terrain, long-range surveillance and tracking, and the use of advanced weapons and communication systems. They are also trained in winter survival techniques and counterterrorism operations.
Officials said the personnel may receive training at specialized high-altitude warfare schools and counterterrorism training centers to enhance their operational capabilities.
The unit will primarily operate in mountainous regions along the Line of Control and in remote forested areas where terrorists are believed to establish hideouts or attempt infiltration.
Officials said the creation of the Snow Leopards unit reflects evolving security strategies in Jammu and Kashmir as agencies adapt to the changing geographical patterns of terrorist activity.
