The elite CoBRA commandos of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are all set to break the backbone of the terrorist outfits after their induction in the multi-tier security grid in Jammu & Kashmir.
It is the first time the CoBRA commandos, trained in jungle warfare, have been deployed in Kashmir valley to further strengthen the anti-terrorist security grid.
Before their induction, the CoBRA commandos had undergone rigorous training in Kashmir Valley to understand the dynamics of anti-terrorist operations in built-up areas inhabited by the civilian population.
Since their inception in 2009, their services have been utilized only across Naxal-hit areas of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya.
Official sources told The Pioneer that the centre is keen on utilizing the services of CoBRA commandos to check the penetration of homegrown terrorists and their sympathizers from establishing their hideouts to further consolidate their bases in the forest areas.
At present, the CRPF is playing an important role in maintaining law and order and also participating in counter-terrorist operations alongside the Indian army and Jammu and Kashmir police.
A senior CRPF officer posted in Srinagar told The Pioneer that the CoBRA units, deployed in Bihar, Jharkhand, and some other pockets were recalled and stationed in Kashmir valley in the month of April 2023 to undergo training before their induction.
The Officer confirmed these commandos have been deployed in different CRPF battalions and their services will be utilized as per the operational requirement.
Initially, the CoBRA commandos have been attached to different quick reaction teams and soon the same would be inducted in the counter-terrorist grid to add teeth to the existing security grid.