The central government has denied the presence of Islamic State in Jammu and Kashmir. This comes after the terrorist organization claimed responsibility for gunning down a J&K police constable on February 25 in Soura area of Srinagar. A police post was attacked killing one policeman and Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack.  

Amaq and Al-Qarar, wings of IS, claimed the responsibility for the attack and said the ‘war’ had just begun. Terrorists fleed from the spot with constable’s service rifle.

“There is no physical infrastructure or manpower of the IS in the Valley. It does not exist in the Valley,” said a home ministry spokesperson. An official from the home ministry told about Pakistani terror outfit Lashkar-e-taiba possible involvement in the attack.

Contrary to the straightforward denial, the Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police S.P. Vaid has not ruled out such a possibility completely.

“Although there are no visible signs on the ground, but there could be a lone wolf type of attack. There is possibility of its presence in the state,” said Vaid.

He further assured that the claim would be verified as it is a matter of ‘worry’.

“The ISIS has claimed on its website Al-Qarar, that they are here in Kashmir. This needs to be verified on the ground. It is a matter of worry,” said a concerned Vaid.