ISIS threat a cause of 'serious concern', says Lt. Gen. Saha

The General Officer Commanding of the Chinar Corps, Lieutenant General Subrata Saha, on Wednesday said the recent display of ISIS flags in Kashmir is a cause of 'serious concern' for the security agencies.

Lieutenant General Saha said the ISIS is capable of attracting large number of volunteers.

"There have been three instances when the IS flag has been noticed in Srinagar. The threat of IS is something which all security agencies have to give concern and it has to receive their highest attention. The reason being that the IS is capable of attracting a large number of volunteers," said Lieutenant General Saha.

"The army's role is to provide environmental security during the elections or in any other period and during the period of elections clearly the sensitivity is higher. And we are prepared to provide the secure environment that is required for conduct of successful elections," he added.

Lieutenant General Saha said the ability of IS to attract volunteers by implication can misguide the youth.

"So, I think this is the first factor which we must be very-very acutely conscious of. Secondly, it will be a factor in the security calculus and so it is important that we keep noticing any trends that may emerge and which we must take note of. And thirdly, it has the potential to create sectarian strife," he added.

Lieutenant General Saha further said that the army is prepared to respond to any challenges that emerge because of this or any other factors.

Talking about the ceasefire violation across the Line of Control (LoC) and the International border, he said the army has responded with firmness and resolve whenever these ceasefire violations have taken place.