In a first, J&K special forces train in jungle warfare after Pahalgam attack

India Today

24-05-2025

In a first-of-its-kind move, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has begun training its Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel in jungle warfare, a step aimed at combating increasingly dangerous and terrain-savvy terrorists operating in the Union Territory's mountainous regions.Formed in the 1990s, the SOG is a specialised wing of the Jammu & Kashmir Police.The jungle warfare training decision follows the dastardly attack in Pahalgam's Baisaran Valley on April 22, where terrorists used dense forest cover to launch a terror attack, killing 26 people. The incident forced security forces to re-evaluate their preparedness for such guerrilla tactics.advertisement
According to top officials, the lack of actionable intelligence and the challenging terrain were key takeaways from the attack, prompting the need for specialised jungle warfare training.Taking charge of this shift is DGP Nalin Prabhat, a 1992 batch IPS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, who assumed office in October 2023. Known for his past role as commander of the elite anti-Naxal Greyhounds, Prabhat has directed that SOG units undergo intensive training in jungle and high-altitude warfare."The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in battle," a senior officer said, highlighting the seriousness of the ongoing tactical overhaul.MULTI-TIERED TRAININGSOG units are being trained at multiple locations. Some batches have already undergone intensive training, while others are being prepared for advanced modules. Training partnerships include sessions with Greyhounds in Telangana and at the Jungle Warfare School. Regional training camps include the White Knight Corps base in Talwara and Corps Battle Schools (CBS) in Doda.advertisementAt these centres, SOG personnel, usually in teams of 30–50, are trained to move undetected, survive in hostile conditions for days, and navigate dense forests while tracking enemies.NEED FOR TERRAIN MASTERYAfter the Pahalgam attack, SOG personnel launched a follow-up operation in Shopian's Keller Forest and neutralised three terrorists after hours of pursuit. The operation was hailed not just for eliminating threats, but for demonstrating improved terrain mastery and relentless pursuit under difficult conditions.But jungle warfare is not just about combat. Intelligence, particularly HUMINT (human intelligence), is now at the core of SOG strategy. Officials say the absence of local intel in Pahalgam was a turning point. Since then, training has emphasized the cultivation of informant networks in remote regions - where trust can matter more than firepower.GROWING THREAT OF INFILTRATIONThere's growing concern about Pakistan-backed terrorists slipping through the Line of Control. Some of these operatives are reportedly ex-SSG or Para Commandos, like Pahalgam attacker Hashim Musa. A senior JKP official revealed that around 4,000 SOG personnel are actively involved in joint operations with the Army, and that jungle warfare skills will give them a tactical edge."While intelligence has long been JKP's strength, jungle warfare training is what will help us match the enemy's terrain advantage," said a former top police official.advertisementThe past two years have seen a rise in attacks in the Jammu division, particularly Poonch and Rajouri. In response, small SOG teams of 4–5 members have been regularly patrolling deep forests, occupying heights and setting up pickets to increase the likelihood of direct encounters. This proactive approach has helped reduce attacks in recent months.MULTI-FRONT WARFARE ADAPTATIONWhen the battlefield moves from forest to village, SOG units shift tactics to Cordon and Search Operations (CASO). Operations in Shopian and Anantnag have focused on precision, crowd control and minimising civilian harm. Insights from decorated officers like Colonel Vikrant Prasher of 10 Para SF, experts in forest and high-altitude warfare, are now being incorporated into the SOG's evolving doctrine.WHAT LIES AHEADFormer Army Chief Gen (Retd) VP Malik highlighted the importance of terrain familiarity and human intelligence. Commenting on Operation Sindoor, he said how a combined strategy of surveillance, military operations and diplomatic engagement - similar to India's response after Kargil - remains crucial.With the annual Amarnath Yatra approaching in June-end, the need for heightened vigilance remains. As security forces anticipate fresh infiltration attempts, jungle warfare-trained SOG units will form a key part of the counter-terror strategy going forward.Must Watch