Terrorists to Be Contained on Snow-Capped Peaks of Kashmir; CRPF Sets Up High-Altitude Bases

Following the terror attack in the Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam on April 22 last year, militants in Jammu and Kashmir have changed their operational patterns. They are increasingly targeting high-altitude, snow-covered areas, which are harder for security forces to access and frequently visited by tourists.

CRPF Adopts New Strategy

In response, the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have revised their deployment strategy. The CRPF is now establishing Temporary Operating Bases (TOBs) on snow-covered mountain peaks to maintain a permanent security presence.

According to CRPF sources, 43 high-altitude TOBs—at around 6,000 feet and above—have been set up across the region since last year’s Baisaran attack, with 17 in Jammu and 26 in Kashmir. The first TOB was opened along the Tral-Pahalgam route near Baisaran Valley. These bases are manned by CRPF personnel equipped with specialized weapons, with support from local police and other forces as needed.

Blocking Militants’ Safe Havens

The establishment of these TOBs has restricted militants’ freedom of movement in the mountains, areas they once considered safe havens. Continuous patrolling and presence of security forces have led to frequent encounters, making militants realize that neither lower-lying areas nor high-altitude regions offer them safety anymore. These TOBs have become a critical element in detecting, confronting, and deterring terrorist activity in Kashmir.

Reduced Escape Time for Militants

Previously, militants had enough time to hide or flee before larger security forces could reach them from the valleys below. With TOBs now positioned strategically, militants are finding it increasingly difficult to move freely in mountainous terrain.

Special Gear for Extreme Cold

Personnel stationed at these high-altitude bases are equipped with special cold-weather clothing, boots, triple-layer jackets, and protective goggles, similar to gear used by ITBP forces. Due to poor network connectivity in the upper regions, all personnel are provided satellite phones, along with other gadgets to enhance operational efficiency against militants.