Jammu, Oct 9 (IANS): The Territorial Army (TA), which has a large presence in Jammu and Kashmir in tackling insurgency, celebrated its 66th Raising Day on Friday, a defence spokesman said.

"The Territorial Army (TA) celebrated its 66th Raising Day today (on Friday)," army's Udhampur based Northern Command, Col. S.D. Goswami said here.

"A large number of TA resources are deployed in Jammu and Kashmir for supporting the Army in combating insurgency and terrorism in the state.

"These include the 'Home and Hearth' units which were raised on 'Sons of Soil' concept and have 100 percent personnel from Jammu and Kashmir only. A total of six of Home and Hearth battalions, six infantry battalions and many infantry companies from other battalions of the territorial army are deployed in the state," he added.

Col. Goswami said that some new units have also been raised recently, and it was heartening to see the overwhelming response of the youth from the state to come forward for the recruitment rallies displaying their zeal and enthusiasm for serving the nation.

"A total of 15 recruitment rallies were conducted during the year and few are planned in the coming days. A total of 1,758 youth from Jammu and Kashmir were selected during this year to serve the Territorial Army," he said.

"Territorial Army, also known as the 'Citizen's Army' was raised on October 9, 1949 by C. Rajagopalachari, the first Indian governor general of India, to enable any citizen of the country may volunteer while continuing with his primary vocation and serve the army on "as required" basis.