J&K Police Deploy Specialized Snow Leopard and Markhor Units in Tactical Shift Against Terrorists
In a significant strategic revision, the Jammu & Kashmir Police have deployed two specialized units—"Snow Leopards" and "Markhor"—to counter terrorist activities in the region's higher reaches. This tactical shift aims to dominate snow-bound peaks and dense forests where terrorists have increasingly operated in recent years.
Formation and Training of Elite Units
A senior police official revealed that the strategy was revised as terrorists began exploiting forest areas more frequently. The new units comprise personnel, particularly young members, who have undergone rigorous training at facilities of the Greyhounds, Andhra Pradesh's elite commandos long deployed against Maoist insurgents.
"The training has been underway for the past year in batches," the official stated, emphasizing the comprehensive preparation involved.
Specialized Roles and Capabilities
The Snow Leopards unit was specifically raised to strengthen high-altitude operations, including missions on mountain tops and ridges. In contrast, the Markhor batches are trained for operations in forests and rugged mountainous terrain, areas historically used by terrorists as hideouts. The name "Markhor" is derived from a Persian term meaning "snake eater," symbolizing agility and resilience.
Both units are equipped with modern weapons and advanced communication systems. They operate in close coordination with the Indian Army and are capable of sustaining long-duration operations in challenging environments.
Strategic Shift Emphasized by Police Leadership
Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat underscored this strategic shift while addressing new recruits at a special training centre in Jammu's Talwara earlier this month. "We have shifted the fight to the upper reaches and taken the battle into the jungles," Prabhat declared.
He detailed that operations now focus on mountainous areas spanning from Chatroo to Udhampur to Kathua, directly targeting terrorist elements. Prabhat cited last year's "Operation Mahadev" as a prime example of the new strategy, where three terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack were successfully neutralized.
Expanded Police Outreach and Anti-Narcotics Efforts
In his address, DGP Prabhat also highlighted an expansion in police outreach initiatives. Over 5,300 "Thana Diwas" programmes were conducted last year to strengthen community ties and foster public trust.
Furthermore, he emphasized intensified anti-narcotics efforts, with 2,276 arrests made over two years, including 226 under the NDPS Act, and 54 properties attached for links to drug trafficking. Prabhat touted these figures as the highest in the country, showcasing the police's commitment to combating drug-related crimes.
"Our close connect with the people remains our biggest strength," the DGP asserted, adding that engaging youth is a critical factor in the ongoing fight against narcotics.
This deployment marks a proactive approach by J&K Police to adapt to evolving security challenges, leveraging specialized training and community engagement to enhance counter-terrorism operations in the region's most difficult terrains.
