Why COBRA Commandos Are Being Deployed to Kashmir for the First Time: 10 Key Points

Known for their operations in Maoist strongholds, CoBRA’s presence in the valley signals a tactical response to the growing threat of militancy in Jammu’s forested regions.

Here are 10 key points you need to know about this historic deployment:

1. First Operational Move into Kashmir
The Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) is being deployed operationally in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time since it was established in 2008. This represents a strategic pivot in counter-insurgency operations within the region.

2. Originally Created for Red Corridor Operations
CoBRA was specially formed to combat Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India’s Red Corridor, which spans across states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra, where Naxal activities are prevalent.

3. Rising Militancy in Jammu Forests
The surge in militant activity across the dense forest regions of Jammu has necessitated the inclusion of jungle warfare specialists. The terrain here closely resembles that of Maoist-affected zones, making CoBRA’s deployment highly relevant.

4. Official Announcement and Expansion Plans
The deployment was formally announced by CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh during the 86th Raising Day celebrations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also revealed plans to create a new CoBRA unit dedicated to Jammu and Kashmir.

5. World-Class Guerrilla Warfare Training
CoBRA commandos undergo intense training in guerrilla tactics, jungle survival, IED neutralization, and ambush operations at facilities like the CRPF Training School in Belgaum, Karnataka, and the Army’s Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School in Mizoram.

6. Equipped with Advanced Weapons and Technology
These commandos are armed with a wide arsenal including INSAS, AK-47s, Tavor X-95s, grenade launchers, and sniper rifles. They also utilize GPS systems, night vision gear, satellite communications, and wear lightweight tactical gear for swift mobility in dense terrain.

7. High Risk, High Compensation
Due to the hazardous nature of their missions, CoBRA personnel earn a 15% higher salary than regular CRPF forces. Their operations are covert, intelligence-led, and conducted deep within hostile territories.

8. Past Deployments Were Non-Operational
In 2023, a few CoBRA companies were sent to Kashmir for training purposes only. Operational deployment was delayed due to concerns that their jungle-based skillset may not be compatible with Kashmir's mixed geography.

9. Tactical Re-evaluation of Terrain Similarity
A shift in perception occurred as experts noted striking topographical similarities between Jammu’s forests and Maoist zones. CoBRA's jungle warfare expertise is now seen as a strategic asset in countering terrorism in these regions.

10. Collaboration with Other Elite Forces
CoBRA will operate in synergy with other elite units including:

• MARCOS (Marine Commandos): Naval specialists in amphibious operations, particularly around Kashmir’s water bodies like Wular Lake and the Jhelum River.

• NSG (National Security Guard): India’s premier counter-terror force, deployed for precision-based urban anti-terror operations.

• Para SF (Special Forces): Army commandos trained for high-altitude warfare and deep infiltration missions, especially near the Line of Control (LoC).