Youth joins militancy in Kashmir; photo flaunting AK-47 goes viral

Srinagar, May 25: A youth, who had gone missing from Bandipora district a few days ago, has reportedly joined Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as his picture flaunting an AK-47 rifle has gone viral on social media.

Official sources said a complaint was registered few days ago at Hajin Police Station that one Nisar Ahmad Dar had gone missing from his residence. “A case was registered and investigation was taken up,” they added.

However, a picture of Dar brandishing an AK47 assault rifle has gone viral on social media sites, including Facebook and Twitter.

But, sources said the details about whether Dar has joined militant ranks are being investigated. This is not the first time a youth has announced joining militancy by flaunting assault rifle on social media. In the recent past, youngsters have been announcing joining militancy ranks by posting their pictures with weapons on social media, including Facebook and Twitter.

Several dozen youth, including son of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat chairman, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) scholar and Kashmir University professor, have joined militant ranks in valley, particularly south Kashmir in the last about six months.

However, about a dozen youth, including an ace footballer, returned home after shunning violence in the valley since November last year. Police has been reiterating that no case will be registered against the youth, who will be provided all assistance to start afresh and lead a normal life.

Asserting that Ramzan 'ceasefire' has been successful so far, Director General of Police (DGP) S P Vaid had said the situation, especially in south Kashmir, has eased and is serving as Confidence Building Measure (CBM) for families, who want their boys to return home.