Srinagar, Mar 18 (KNO): The proactive and innovative strategy devised by J&K Police to counter terror in mountains and forests has led to significant decline in terror-related incidents in the upper reaches of Jammu region.
Sources told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that in 2023-24, the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri and upper reaches of Udhampur as well as an area of Kathua witnessed terror attacks, raising serious security concerns.
“It was during this challenging period that Nalin Prabhat assumed charge as the DGP of Jammu and Kashmir and began restructuring counter-terror operations with a focused approach on difficult terrains,” the sources said.
DGP Prabhat soon after assuming charge recognized the unique geographical challenges of the region—dense forests, rugged mountains, and high-altitude areas. “The DGP introduced a specialized operational framework within the Special Operation Group (SOG). Under this strategy, two elite groups were formed within SOG: Snow Leopards and Markhor ” sources informed. “The Snow Leopards unit is centrally located and primarily tasked with operations in snow bound and higher mountain tops and ridges.
The Markhor units spread across the UT are specially trained and deployed to dominate forest belts and mountainous terrain, the areas that had long been exploited by terrorist groups for infiltration and hideouts.”
“To enhance the operational efficiency, selected personnel for these units were sent to Greyhounds,Andhra Pradesh and trained with elite army units for advanced training in jungle warfare, endurance and specialized combat techniques.
This capacity-building initiative significantly strengthened the force’s ability to operate in hostile and challenging environments of higher reaches.”
The results of this strategic overhaul have been clearly visible.
“By 2025, the number of terror incidents in the region saw a marked reduction, reflecting improved intelligence coordination, better area domination, and swift neutralization of threats,” they said.
“This strategy not only disrupted terror networks but also restored a sense of security among the local population in the far flung areas of different districts.”
Pertinently, DGP Prabhat while addressing a Passing Out Parade at the STC Talwara recently stated that J&K Police have changed tactics to counter terror. “Over the past two years the J&K Police altered its operational strategy and intensified action in remote forests and mountains where terrorists have attempted to regroup. The battle has shifted to jungles and upper reaches. We are moving upwards into these areas to get them (terrorists) and destroy their hideouts.”
He also said that Police were now actively engaging terrorists in forests. “Our operations are aimed at countering terrorists who are sent by our nefarious neighbour. We are not allowing them to succeed in their evil plans,” he said.
While recalling last year’s “Operation Mahadev,” the DGP said security forces eliminated three Pakistani terrorists during the operation. “The terrorists were responsible for the killing of 26 civilians in the Baisaran (Pahalgam) area. Police had pursued them deep inside the forest before neutralising them.”—(KNO)