Emails signed off by ‘ISIS Kashmir’ spark security alert; authorities probe link to J&K terror strike
On the same day a gunfire attack shook the scenic hills of Pahalgam, India’s cricket head coach Gautam Gambhir received two chilling emails. The message was blunt, stark, and terrifying: “I Kill You.” Signed off by ‘ISIS Kashmir’, the threat has triggered a full-scale investigation amid rising national security concerns and public unease.
While investigators hunt down those behind the Pahalgam bloodshed that killed at least 10 and left many injured, this death threat to one of the country’s most prominent sporting figures adds a new layer to an already tense situation.
A direct threat, two emails, one message: ‘I Kill You’
Gambhir’s office confirmed on Wednesday that the former cricketer turned politician had filed a police complaint after receiving two threatening emails. The source of the threat? A group identifying itself as ‘ISIS Kashmir’.
Delhi Police, who registered a formal complaint and launched an inquiry, said the emails were sent just hours after the attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Gambhir, who had just returned from a family holiday in France, reported the matter immediately.
“It was a brief email. Just three words. But those three words were enough to raise alarms,” a senior officer said on condition of anonymity.
J&K attack and Gambhir threat—just coincidence?
The timing has raised eyebrows. On Tuesday, five terrorists opened fire on tourists at the popular meadow of Baisaran near Pahalgam. Intelligence officials now believe three of the attackers were from Pakistan. Two are suspected locals. By Wednesday morning, sketches of the suspects were out and a ₹20 lakh reward was announced for any leads.
Security analysts aren’t ruling out a psychological warfare tactic, aimed at rattling public figures and spreading fear. “The coincidence is hard to ignore,” said one senior intelligence official. “We’re not jumping to conclusions, but it looks orchestrated.”
What we know about the Pahalgam attackers so far
Here’s what’s surfaced about the five men suspected in the Pahalgam attack:
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Three are believed to be Pakistani nationals, infiltrated across the border in recent weeks.
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Two locals may have been guides or active accomplices.
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They used AK-47 rifles, a method typical of trained operatives from across the LoC.
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No official claim has yet been made by any terror outfit, though whispers of ISIS Kashmir’s involvement have circulated in militant forums.
A senior officer from the Jammu and Kashmir police said, “We’re still piecing together how they got to Pahalgam undetected. That’s the biggest concern right now.”
Gambhir’s history of outspoken patriotism makes him a target
Gambhir’s political career has often put him at odds with separatist voices. A vocal critic of cross-border terrorism, he’s made headlines for supporting the armed forces and calling out Pakistan’s role in harboring terror groups.
Even during his days as BJP MP from East Delhi, he never shied away from controversy. From condemning stone pelters to slamming pro-Pak slogans, Gambhir’s stances made him a favorite on nationalistic platforms—and a potential threat to extremist ideologies.
This isn’t the first time Gambhir’s name has appeared in a terror-related security concern. In 2021, he reported receiving threats from Pakistan-based handlers. Investigations back then didn’t lead to arrests, but authorities took them seriously.
How the security apparatus is reacting
Delhi Police sources say they’ve tightened security around Gambhir’s residence in Rajendra Nagar. Central agencies, too, are actively monitoring the digital trail of the emails.
Officials say while such threats aren’t new, the nature of timing—right after a major terror attack—has raised this incident’s risk profile.
Who or what is ‘ISIS Kashmir’?
The name itself is controversial. Indian authorities have flagged “ISIS Kashmir” as a fringe offshoot or a self-styled group often used as a cover name for terror threats. It’s not linked directly to the core Islamic State but seems to mimic its branding.
There have been a few low-scale attacks and online propaganda pieces attributed to the group. Most experts believe these are local militants using the ISIS label to gain global attention.
Still, the use of this name in a death threat to a high-profile individual makes the threat hard to ignore.
One former RAW officer told us, “These are not empty words. Even if the sender is just trying to cause panic, the intent is serious. Gambhir’s visibility makes him a symbolic target.”
Public reaction and cricket community solidarity
The cricketing world has stood firmly behind Gambhir. Current and former players expressed their shock and support on social media. Fans, too, flooded platforms with messages of solidarity.
“Politics aside, this is just wrong. Gambhir has served Indian cricket with pride. We’re with him,” tweeted a fan club account with over 100k followers.
BCCI officials have reportedly checked in on his safety and are coordinating with Delhi Police to ensure his movement remains secure during team activities.
Gambhir hasn’t made any personal comment yet. But sources close to him say he’s concerned, especially for his two young daughters.
