Srinagar, May 22: A suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba operative, under custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), has revealed during the course of interrogation that he received arms training in Pakistan, where he was sent to get rid of his drug addiction.

The militant, identified as Mohammad Amir, narrated to the investigators that he was sent to Pakistan in 2014 by his parents to "study Islam" and get rid of the drug addiction.

In Pakistan, Amir came in contact with Qari Ameen, an alleged fundraiser and recruiter for LeT. On his recommendation, the youth joined Daura-e-Suffa, one of the training camps run by the militant outfit in the Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.

In November 2017, Amir, along with three others, infiltrated into Kashmir using the porous borders. They, were, however, apprehended following a military operation in North Kashmir's Handwara.

In the NIA chargesheet, Amir has been booked under Explosive Substance Act, Arms Act, Foreigners Act, Explosive Substance Act, Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Criminal Conspiracy.

The case of Amir brings to light the alarming trend of extremism among the Kashmiri populace. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, during his recent address, said the youth in the Valley is falling prey to Pakistan's propaganda.

Although the situation remains disappointing in Kashmir, Rawat said he is hopeful of conditions improving as the "radicalised youths will soon realise that guns are no solution".

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 22, 2018 10:42 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).