IS trying to gain foothold in PoK, says Army

Terror outfit Islamic State (IS) is trying to gain a foothold in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, a senior Army official said on Friday.

"Whatever inputs we have, IS has not taken in a major way, but they are definitely trying to gain foothold in the area (PoK)", General Officer Commanding (GoC), 16 Corps, Lt Gen K H Singh told reporters on sidelines of an army function here on Friday.

He was replying to a question on the threat perception of IS in PoK amid media reports about the terror outfit's presence in the valley. Lt Gen Singh said that there were around 200 to 225 militants in 36 launch pads across the Pir Panchal range waiting to infiltrate into the Indian side.The terror infrastructure across the border was intact and training camps were still active, he added.

Army on Friday celebrated "Jhangar Day" to commemorate the sacrifice made by Brigadier Mohd Usman, who was martyred during the 1947-48 operation in <g data-gr-id="18">Noushera</g> sector of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir.

Brigadier Mohd Usman had played a pivotal role as commander of 50 Parachute Brigade during the recapture of Jhangar and the battle of <g data-gr-id="20">Noushera</g>, which earned him the title of '<g data-gr-id="21">Noushera</g> Ka Sher'. He was posthumously awarded the "Maha Vir Chakra".