Jammu & Kashmir
J&K Police Unveils ‘Snow Leopard’ Squad
- 03 Mar 2026
- 2 min read
Why in News?
The Jammu and Kashmir Police has launched a newly formed elite squad named “Snow Leopard” and made its first public deployment during the Khelo India Winter Games 2026.
Key Points:
- Purpose: The Snow Leopard squad is a dedicated high‑altitude combat unit designed to tackle emerging terror threats in rugged and inhospitable terrains where conventional forces face operational limitations.
- Operational Debut: The unit made its first public deployment during the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 held in Gulmarg, where it was tasked with ensuring security at elevations reaching nearly 14,000 feet above sea level.
- Composition: The squad comprises more than 100 personnel, primarily drawn from the police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) — an elite counter‑terror unit of the J&K Police.
- Members of the Snow Leopard unit have undergone intensive specialised training for operating in extreme environments — including sub‑zero temperatures (down to −20 °C), low oxygen conditions, dense forests, and avalanche‑prone zones.
- They are also equipped to respond to natural emergencies such as avalanches and landslides.
- Significance: The creation of the Snow Leopard elite squad underscores Jammu & Kashmir’s adaptive security response to evolving threats in high‑altitude zones.
- By combining counter‑terror expertise with mountain‑specific training and equipment, the force improves operational readiness in areas that present both strategic vulnerabilities and environmental challenges.
| Read More: Khelo India Winter Games 2026, Counter‑terror |
