Specialised SOG Units Deployed in Jammu Kashmir Forests, Seven BSF Bn Reinforce Border Grid | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Nearly 350 personnel of the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police, trained in jungle and mountain warfare in Andhra Pradesh alongside elite Army units, have been deployed across snow-bound heights, dense forests and rugged terrain in the Union Territory as part of an intensified counter-terror strategy, according to reports attributed to media sources.

Officials cited in reports said the move is aimed at tracking down terrorists and dismantling their support networks in difficult terrains where conventional operations face limitations. The deployment comes alongside the induction of seven additional battalions of the Border Security Force (BSF) along the International Border (IB) to ensure “zero infiltration”.

Sources quoted in reports indicated concerns within the security establishment over possible infiltration attempts from across the border with the onset of summer. Intelligence inputs suggest that militants, allegedly trained by the Pakistan Army, are stationed at launch pads close to the IB, awaiting opportunities to infiltrate into the Jammu region.

“To ensure that there is no fresh infiltration from the borders, seven BSF battalions are being deployed along the International Border,” sources said, as per reports, adding that some units have already reached their designated locations while others are expected shortly.

The SOG deployment is part of what officials described as a broader restructuring and operational upgrade. Reports said two specialised SOG units have been carved out under a new framework—one focused on high-altitude warfare in snow-bound and mountainous zones, and another tasked with operations in dense forests and rugged terrain across the Union Territory.

“This is specialisation driven by terrain, threat pattern, and ground experience,” sources were quoted as saying.

The training programme for SOG personnel began nearly 10 months ago following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians, including 25 tourists, were killed. Officials cited in reports described the training as a continuous process, with more personnel expected to undergo similar courses and be deployed in vulnerable areas.

The SOG personnel underwent rigorous selection before being sent for training with the Greyhounds and Army units in Andhra Pradesh, focusing on jungle warfare, endurance, terrain adaptation and specialised combat techniques.

Reports said security forces, including the Army, paramilitary units and local police, are currently engaged in sustained anti-terror operations across multiple districts. Last month, four militants affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), including a commander identified as Saifullah, were killed in operations in the upper reaches of Chatroo in Kishtwar district.

According to sources cited in reports, there are indications of the presence of foreign militants in the upper reaches of districts, including Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch. Many of them are believed to have infiltrated over a period of time, with several already neutralised, while others may still be active in forested areas.

While no major recent infiltration attempts have been reported along the IB in Jammu, Samba and Kathua sectors, sources did not rule out the possibility of earlier intrusions.

Officials said the simultaneous deployment of specialised SOG units in hinterland areas and reinforcement of BSF presence along the border is intended to create a comprehensive security grid.

“The dual deployment is designed to neutralise internal threats while securing the frontier,” sources said, according to reports.

The decision to strengthen border deployment was finalised during a high-level security review chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his visit to Jammu from February 5 to 7, attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Intelligence Bureau and security agencies.

Officials said the enhanced deployment aims to sustain pressure on militant networks, prevent regrouping, and secure vulnerable areas across Jammu and Kashmir.