The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has made a landmark move by deploying its elite CoBRA commandos to Jammu and Kashmir, marking the first-ever operational use of this specialised force in the region

The CoBRA commandos

CoBRA, with its formidable expertise in guerilla warfare in dense forests and surgical counter-insurgency, is now being called upon to tackle the rising wave of militancy in Jammu’s dense forests, which have become increasingly volatile over the past year. This strategic shift reflects a change in internal security measures and underscores the growing complexities of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir.

Recently, security forces engaged in an intense and prolonged gun battle to neutralize terrorists who were hiding in the dense forests of Kathua. The operation, which lasted for several days, saw forces battling through difficult terrain as they worked to eliminate the militants. The gunfight, which escalated in the thick forests, highlighted the increasingly challenging security situation in the region.

MARCOS

The MARCOS (Indian Navy Marine Commandos) are experts in amphibious warfare, primarily deployed for riverine and lake operations in Kashmir. Their specialized skills are crucial for conducting silent water-borne operations in areas like Wular Lake and the Jhelum River, where stealth is vital.

The National Security Guard (NSG), also known as the Black Cats, is India’s premier counter-terrorism and hostage rescue force. Although they do not maintain a permanent presence in Kashmir, the NSG is called upon for high-risk urban counter-terror operations, where precision and swift action are paramount.

Para Special Forces

The Indian Army Para Special Forces (Para SF) are trained to operate at extreme altitudes, conduct deep penetration missions, and execute operations along the Line of Control (LoC). Their expertise is particularly valuable in mountainous terrain, where they carry out surgical strikes and engage in high-stakes operations across rugged landscapes.

In conclusion, the deployment of CoBRA commandos in Jammu and Kashmir signifies a dynamic shift in India’s counter-insurgency operations. “Their expertise in jungle warfare, along with the integration of elite forces from different branches of the military, creates a formidable, specialized force designed to tackle the unique challenges posed by the militant insurgency in the region. This new strategy promises to be a critical asset in securing the forests of Jammu and Kashmir from the growing threat of militancy,” said a senior CRPF official.

Here are critical facts about CoBRA’s historic mission and its role in this new frontier:

1. First operational deployment in Kashmir: This is the first time CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), a unit originally formed to tackle Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India’s Red Corridor, has been deployed in Jammu and Kashmir. Since its establishment in 2008, CoBRA’s operations had been confined to the Maoist-affected states of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra. The decision to send them to Kashmir marks a significant evolution in India’s counter-insurgency strategy.

2. Origins in the red corridor: CoBRA was specifically created to counter Maoist insurgents in the Red Corridor, a region known for its high levels of LWE, where the terrain posed a serious challenge to security forces. The force’s specialiSed training and techniques were honed to neutralize threats in the dense forests and hilly areas typical of the region. However, the changing dynamics in Jammu’s forests, with their increasing militant activities, have necessitated the deployment of these battle-hardened troops in Kashmir.

3. Rising militancy in Jammu’s forests: In response to a spike in militant activity in the densely forested areas of Jammu, CoBRA’s expertise in guerrilla warfare and counter-insurgency operations in similar terrains has been deemed indispensable. The militants, who have increasingly exploited Jammu’s rugged, forested landscape, now face a force specially equipped to counter such threats effectively.

4. Official announcement and strategic plans: The CRPF’s Director General, Gyanendra Pratap Singh, officially announced the deployment of CoBRA during the 86th Raising Day celebrations of the force. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also revealed plans to raise a new CoBRA unit exclusively focused on operations in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the critical importance of these elite commandos in combating the evolving insurgent threat in the region.

5. Training in guerrilla warfare and survival: CoBRA commandos undergo one of the most rigorous training regimens in the world. This includes advanced guerrilla warfare tactics, jungle survival skills, ambush and counter-ambush strategies, explosive handling, and IED (Improvised Explosive Device) neutralization. Their specialized training is conducted at CRPF’s training school in Belgaum, Karnataka, and at the Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School in Mizoram, both of which prepare them for operations in the most hostile and rugged environments.

6. Cutting-edge weaponry and high-tech equipment: CoBRA commandos are equipped with some of the most advanced weaponry available. They carry INSAS rifles, AK-47s, Tavor X-95s, grenade launchers, and sniper rifles. Their operations are bolstered by high-tech gear including GPS devices, night vision equipment, satellite communication systems, and lightweight tactical gear that ensures rapid and silent movement through dense jungle terrains.

7. Reevaluation Due to Topographical Similarities: The growing recognition of the similarity between the dense jungles of Jammu and the Maoist-affected zones in terms of terrain and the tactics required to neutralize insurgents has led to a reassessment. CoBRA’s specialized training in jungle warfare is now considered highly effective against militants operating in the challenging topography of Jammu.

8. Integration with Other elite forces: CoBRA’s deployment in Jammu and Kashmir is part of a larger, integrated strategy involving multiple specialized forces. CoBRA commandos work alongside MARCOS, NSG and Para SF creating a multi-dimensional response to the militancy in the region.