Jammu & Kashmir, Feb 19 : In a major security overhaul following last year’s terror attack in the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has established 43 high-altitude Temporary Operating Bases (TOBs) across Jammu and Kashmir to keep a close watch on terrorist movement and infiltration routes.
According to defence sources, these TOBs have been set up at elevations above 6,000 feet to strengthen surveillance and counter-terror operations, particularly against terrorists infiltrating from across the border. Officials said the strategy has already yielded positive results, with a noticeable decline in terror-related incidents in recent months.
The first such Temporary Operating Base was established in July 2025 at Fakir Gujri in Srinagar district. Of the 43 TOBs set up so far, 26 are located in the Kashmir region, while the remaining 17 are in the Jammu region.
Security officials explained that these temporary bases are used to accommodate personnel from central armed police forces along with Jammu and Kashmir Police. They serve as launch pads for search-and-destroy operations in high-altitude areas where terrorists often take shelter in makeshift huts, locally known as “dhoks.”
Following the April 2025 terror attack in Baisaran Valley, several TOBs were established along the Pahalgam–Tral–Harwan route. These bases played a key role in operations aimed at eliminating the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam massacre. In July, security forces used one such TOB to neutralise three terrorists responsible for the attack.
Officials said a major counter-terror operation, launched in the Mahadev hill ranges and upper reaches near Harwan, led to the killing of three Pakistani terrorists, including Abu Hamza Afghani alias Haris, Jibran alias Yaser alias Habib alias Tahir, and Suleman. Weapons recovered from them included two AK-47 rifles, one M-4 rifle, and other arms and ammunition. The operation was part of a broader security plan prepared immediately after the deadly Baisaran attack in which 26 unarmed tourists were killed.
Defence officials further revealed that at present, around 97 foreign terrorists and six local terrorists are active in Jammu and Kashmir. Of the foreign terrorists, nearly 30–40 are believed to be operating in the Jammu region, while 40–57 are active in the Kashmir region. Out of the six local terrorists, four are reportedly based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Two local terrorists, identified as Latif and Zakir, are currently active within the Union Territory.
Each Temporary Operating Base is manned by around 16 to 25 personnel, including Jammu and Kashmir Police. Given the harsh terrain and weather conditions, security personnel are equipped with specialised gear such as sleeping bags, ergonomic backpacks, tactical boots, heating equipment, satellite trackers, and satellite phones.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been closely monitoring the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. In a recent review meeting with security agencies, he said that sustained and coordinated efforts by security forces have significantly weakened the terror network operating in the region.
The Home Minister assured that all necessary resources would continue to be provided to security agencies and stressed the importance of close coordination among all forces to completely eradicate terrorism from the region. He also directed security forces to remain extra vigilant to prevent terrorists from exploiting snowfall and harsh winter conditions to attempt cross-border infiltration.
