Pakistan using social media to mobilise Kashmiri youth towards militancy: Army

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The general officer commanding of the Indian Army's Northern Command, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, said on Thursday the Pakistani Army has been using social media to mobilise support among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to stir them towards militancy.

He also said that terrorist infrastructure continues to remain intact in PoK and Pakistan. Singh said Pakistan was trying to develop narratives to alter public opinion in Kashmir to disrupt peace and stability. "It is matter of concern for us. We are seized of this concern," he said.

Singh said the Pakistani Army has been exploiting social media platforms to influence the youth of the Kashmir valley to join militancy.

"Radicalisation is not only a concern in India but a global concern," Singh told reporters in Udhampur.

However, he added, the Indian Army has developed effective counter-terrorism capabilities and the fight against terrorism has now entered "an important phase".

"We are using technology and artificial-based solutions to counter the message, so that youth do not fall prey to the designs of the Pakistan Army," he said.

"I am hopeful that in the coming year, we will be able to see peace, prosperity and development in the state," he said.

Replying to a question on the proposed pull-out of US troops from Afghanistan, the officer said the Indian Army and all agencies are keeping a close watch on the developments. "We are prepared for any contingency," he said, referring to possible infiltration by Afghanistan-based militants into Jammu and Kashmir.

Singh said options for another "surgical strike" on terrorist bases were open.

"Surgical strikes were a tactical operation to give a strategic message that Indian Army has the capability to do acts that are unpredictable. We were successful in conveying that message," he added.

On the investigation into sepoy Aurangzeb's killing in south Kashmir last year, he said, "We got information that one or two jawans intentionally or unknowingly passed information about his movement. Perhaps, the terrorists picked up the news and took benefit of it," he said, adding a probe is going on.

Aurangzeb was abducted by militants from Pulwama. His bullet-riddled body was found on June 14 in Srinagar on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr.