IS trying to gain foothold in PoK, says Indian Army

NEW DELHI: The deadly Islamic State (IS) is attempting to gain a foothold in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), said a senior officer responsible for the army's internal and border security operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Whatever inputs we have ... Islamic State is definitely trying to gain a foothold in the area (PoK)," said Lt Gen K H Singh, general officer commanding of Nagrota-based 16 Corps. Gen Singh's comment comes just days after a masked youth waved flag of the international terror group during a rally organized by separatist group Ummati Islami to commemorate the death anniversary of separatist leader Qazi Nisar Ahmad in Anantnag.

Indian agencies have been looking at the threat posed by IS, and at least 16 Indians are believed to have joined the outfit. Though there is no credible input about IS gaining further popularity in India, there is growing concern about the radical outfit gaining ground in Pakistan.

Lt Gen Singh said terror infrastructure across the border remains intact and around 200 to 225 militants stationed at 36 launch pads across the Pir Panjal ranges were waiting to cross over to the Indian side. "The terror infrastructure across the border is intact and training camps still active," he said.

The chief of 16 corps was speaking on the sidelines of "Jhangar Day" in Rajouri to commemorate the sacrifice of Brigadier Mohammad Usman, martyred during the 1947-48 operation in the Noushera.

Brigadier Usman was the commander of 50 Parachute Brigade and played a key role in the recapture of Jhangar and the `Battle of Nowshera'.He was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.