Lt Gen KH Singh, outgoing General-Officer-Commanding, White Knight Corps, has said there is no footprints of Islamic State (IS) in Jammu division, and the army will not let it happen.
The General, however, admitted the IS (often known by its old name Isis— Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) presence in Pakistan and Pak-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), but attached no importance to its influence in the Jammu Division or 16 Corp. He said the army and security forces were fully prepared and won’t allow any kind of mischief by IS cadre.
“We have no information from the state administration, police or security forces about any young student or youth being recruited as IS cadre which is a healthy sign. There are no footprints of IS here and our army and security forces would not let it happen in any circumstances,” said Lt Gen Singh, who will be succeeded by Lt Gen RR Nirbhorkar at a charge handover ceremony at Nagrota-based 16 Corps here.
“Since terrorist activities around the globe are more active through the cyber world, security agencies and the army are very proactive to such activities of the militants and fully prepared to defeat any attempt from any quarter,” said Lt Gen Singh.
{{/usCountry}}“Since terrorist activities around the globe are more active through the cyber world, security agencies and the army are very proactive to such activities of the militants and fully prepared to defeat any attempt from any quarter,” said Lt Gen Singh.
{{/usCountry}}Expressing concern over Pakistani military supporting militants across the Line of Control (LoC), Singh said: “The Indian Army is alert and keeping a watch.”
He said nearly 150-190 militants had been waiting at launching pads across the border from Sialkot to Kashmir.
When asked whether there is a rise in infiltration attempts across the border, he said, “The period between June and September is more vulnerable to militants crossing over the border from Poonch side, yet our counter-infiltration grid, surveillance devices and fencing is strongly placed to thwart their attempt.”
Referring to a recent infiltration bid at Brewa village after Pakistani Rangers engaged in heavy firing and mortar shelling, Singh said: “The Pakistani army and paramilitary forces are engaged in helping militants sneak into the Indian side of the border, which are neutralised by the Indian forces.”