The Jammu and Kashmir Police has unveiled its newly formed elite "Snow Leopard" squad, a specialized high-altitude unit created to strengthen security and carry out anti-terror operations in mountainous and snow-bound regions across the Union Territory. Akashvani Jammu correspondent reports that the squad has been deployed for the first time during the ongoing Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, where it is responsible for securing athletes, officials, and visitors at elevations reaching nearly 14,000 feet. This deployment marks the operational debut of the unit, specifically designed for mountain security operations and extreme terrain challenges. The Snow Leopard squad has been raised to respond to emerging terror threats in high-altitude zones, where terrorists attempt to exploit difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions. The unit primarily consists of personnel drawn from the Special Operations Group of J&K Police and functions as a dedicated wing for snow and mountain warfare. The squad personnel underwent over six months of intensive specialized training, conducted alongside elite formations, including the Army's Para Commandos and the Greyhounds Special Forces, to enhance combat readiness and operational coordination. The squad has been trained to operate in sub-zero temperatures reaching minus 20 degrees Celsius, low-oxygen environments, dense forests, and avalanche-prone areas. In addition to combat roles, the unit has also received disaster response training to handle avalanches, landslides, and other natural emergencies common in mountainous areas. The unit currently comprises more than 100 trained personnel and can be deployed anywhere across Jammu and Kashmir where high-altitude operations are required.