Elite CoBRA commandos to tackle terrorism in J&K: CRPF Chief

Neemuch, Apr 17: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will raise a dedicated Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) in Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at intensifying counter-terrorism operations across forested and remote regions of the Union Territory.
The announcement was made during the CRPF’s 86th Raising Day event, where Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh said the move is part of a broader operational push to deal with evolving security threats in the region.
“Equipped with advanced surveillance tools and trained for rapid, intelligence-driven missions, the new unit will focus on flushing out terrorists,” he said.
The battalion will mark the 11th CoBRA unit since the elite force was first created in 2008 to combat Left Wing Extremism.
Meanwhile, a senior security official said the new battalion will be tasked with operations specifically in dense forest areas and difficult terrains of Jammu and Kashmir particularly in belts where recent terrorist activity has spiked.
The battalion is expected to function alongside the Kashmir Valley Quick Action Teams (QAT) and regular CRPF units already deployed in the region.
Another senior CRPF officer who served J&K said that deploying a CoBRA unit will bring a more structured response to insurgency threats in areas like Rajouri, Poonch, and southern parts of Kashmir, where dense forest cover offers natural concealment to militant groups.
“This unit will be a key in flushing out militants hiding in forest belts. Their training in jungle warfare and close-quarter combat gives them a specific edge in such terrain,” he said.
Currently, CoBRA battalions operate in Maoist-affected states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha. The new unit for Jammu and Kashmir is the first of its kind tailored for anti-terrorist operations in the region’s unique topography.
Another official involved in planning the battalion’s deployment said it will be equipped with modern surveillance equipment, communication tools, and light but advanced assault gear.
“Their role will be to lead intelligence-based operations in remote pockets and respond quickly to ambushes or high-risk encounters. The goal is not just reaction but pre-emption,” the official said.
The force is expected to recruit younger personnel and commanders for the unit to ensure operational mobility and endurance in high-stress environments.
Officials say the CoBRA unit’s presence will be critical in improving the force’s ability to contain threats before they escalate.
This development comes amid a recent uptick in cross-border infiltration attempts and gunfights in forested belts of Jammu region. (KNO)