Srinagar, Jan 10 (IANS): A militant, who was extorting money for his outfit, has been apprehended in the Kashmir Valley with the help of the local people, the army said Friday.

"Showing signs of change and indications of reposing faith in the security forces, locals sought help of the army and police in south Kashmir in apprehending a terrorist who was threatening them with dire consequences if the locals failed to pay a sum of Rs.50,000 for his militant outfit," a defence spokesman said.

He said that on Tuesday night, two masked men barged into the house of a local, took him at gunpoint to the outskirts of the village and threatened him to pay up Rs.50,000 or face dire consequences.

"The next day, the helpless individual mustered the courage to approach the local army unit and the police. Displaying optimum synergy, coordination and alacrity, army and police immediately acted upon the information to identify the terrorists responsible.

"Yesterday (Thursday), following a tip off, a joint column of army and police raided a hideout and recovered an AK-56 rifle, a magazine with 30 rounds along with 10 toy pistols which were used by the terrorists.

"The locals also volunteered to guide the security forces to the place where one terrorist was hiding. The terrorist was arrested and handed over to the police," said the spokesman.