Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday refuted the reports that a private school teacher of southern Kashmir’s Chee village in Islamabad district had joined militant ranks.

In a statement, a police spokesperson said that a photograph of a private school teacher from Chee Islamabad was circulated on social media platforms describing him as a new militant recruit turned out to be a mischief done with mala-fide intent to cause fear and alarm in public.

“Islamabad police on verification found that the said person is a respectable citizen and is running a private tuition centre at KP road in the district. The family of the said person was in stress after this fake news appeared on social media,” he said.

The spokesperson said that the family has been assured assistance by local police. “Strict action will be taken against those indulging in rumour mongering.”