Jammu and Kashmir Police deploys elite ‘Snow Leopard’ squad for Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 26 (STC): In a first time, the Jammu and Kashmir Police deployed its elite “Snow Leopard” squad during the ongoing Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg. The squad is tasked with securing athletes, officials, and visitors at elevations of nearly 14,000 feet.
Notably, “Snow Leopard” is a newly created elite squad of the Jammu and Kashmir Police to strengthen security and conduct anti-terror operations in mountainous and snow-bound regions across the Union Territory.
A senior official said the deployment marks the operational debut of the unit, which has been designed specifically for mountain security operations and extreme terrain challenges.
“The Snow Leopard squad has been raised to respond to emerging terror threats in high-altitude zones, where terrorists attempt to exploit difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions. The unit primarily comprises personnel from the Special Operations Group and functions as a dedicated wing for snow and mountain warfare,” the official said.
He added that the squad underwent over six months of intensive specialized training alongside elite formations including the Para Commandos and the Greyhounds Special Forces to enhance combat readiness and operational coordination.
“The personnel are trained to operate in sub-zero temperatures reaching minus 20 degrees Celsius, low-oxygen environments, dense forests, and avalanche-prone areas. Apart from combat roles, the unit has also received disaster response training to handle avalanches, landslides, and other natural emergencies common in mountainous regions,” the official said.
The Snow Leopard squad currently comprises over 100 trained personnel and can be deployed anywhere across Jammu and Kashmir where high-altitude operations are required.
(Straight Talk Communications I Inputs from Morning Kashmir)