The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has sanctioned a dedicated fund exceeding Rs 4.54 crore to equip Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troops stationed at high-altitude Temporary Operating Bases (TOBs) in Jammu and Kashmir with essential winter clothing and survival equipment. This significant allocation follows the 2025 Pahalgam attack, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing the operational capabilities of security forces in challenging terrains.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the funds, released a few weeks ago, are earmarked for the procurement of critical items such as gaiters, sleeping bags, snow boots, goggles, and extreme cold weather clothing developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Himsuraksha brand. The provision also includes insulating mats, rucksacks, gloves, tents, thermal insoles, blankets, and rescue bags, intended to benefit approximately 600 troops. While many of these items have been supplied to TOB personnel since the previous year, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) granted full authorization for this procurement in July, aiming to better equip the troops for extended reconnaissance patrols, survival operations, and counter-terrorism combat in the higher reaches of the Union Territory.
Sources indicate that the life expectancy of these specialized items is approximately two years, with provisions for upward revision of funds for subsequent procurements. The TOBs, strategically established at altitudes exceeding 6,000 feet, serve as operational hubs for CRPF commandos engaged in search and assault missions against terrorists believed to be sheltering in remote mud and stone huts, locally known as ‘dhoks’. The challenging snow-bound and arduous hilly landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir have historically been utilized by militants to evade security forces before or after orchestrating attacks in the plains. Consequently, the CRPF and Army have intensified their presence in these elevated areas.
The establishment of these rock and mortar bases by the CRPF commenced in July 2025, and current data reveals that the force has erected 55 TOBs across both the Jammu and Kashmir regions of the Union Territory. Each TOB typically houses a team of 15 to 25 armed troops, providing them with basic rest and recuperation facilities. One such TOB played a pivotal role as a staging ground for security forces in July 2025 to neutralize three terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam attack. This operation, codenamed ‘Operation Mahadev’, was initiated on May 22, 2025, as part of a broader security strategy formulated a day after the April 22 attack in the Baisaran valley of Pahalgam. That incident resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, predominantly tourists, who were targeted by terrorists who had taken refuge in higher elevations.
The strategic decision to establish TOBs for CRPF commandos, mirroring similar infrastructure for Army units, had been under consideration since the 2022-23 period. However, these bases were made fully operational in the aftermath of the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist incident, according to official sources. The enhanced allocation for winter gear signifies a proactive approach to mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather conditions and ensure the sustained operational effectiveness of troops deployed in some of India‘s most challenging operational environments. The focus on specialized equipment underscores the evolving nature of counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, where security forces must contend with both hostile elements and unforgiving natural landscapes.
The procurement process prioritizes items designed for extreme cold, ensuring that soldiers are adequately protected during prolonged deployments in sub-zero temperatures. The inclusion of DRDO-developed gear highlights the integration of indigenous technological advancements in bolstering the capabilities of the paramilitary forces. This initiative is expected to significantly improve troop morale and operational readiness, allowing for more effective surveillance, rapid response, and sustained engagement with threats in the higher reaches. The continuous monitoring and updating of equipment requirements are crucial given the dynamic security situation and the harsh environmental conditions faced by the troops.
The establishment and sustenance of these high-altitude bases are critical components of the overall security architecture in Jammu and Kashmir. They enable security forces to maintain a constant vigil and respond swiftly to any infiltration attempts or terrorist activities originating from or utilizing the mountainous terrain. The investment in specialized winter clothing and equipment is not merely a logistical enhancement but a strategic imperative to safeguard the lives of the personnel and to ensure the successful execution of their duties in maintaining peace and security in the region. The ongoing efforts to modernize and equip the CRPF reflect a comprehensive strategy to counter evolving security challenges effectively.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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