No differences between militants and Pak: Hizb

Srinagar, Aug 18: The Hizbul Mujahideen has ruled out any differences between the militant leadership and the Pakistan government.

In an interview with a local news agency, Kashmir News Service, Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin said the militant leadership participated in a peaceful protest march to convince Pakistan to review its Kashmir policy.

''India was considering Pakistan's flexibility as a weakness and this was giving an impression that movement, which is gaining ground, was loosing its grip,'' he added.

Besides heading the single largest indigenous militant group operating in Jammu and Kashmir, Salahuddin is also chairman of the United Jehad Council (UJC), the Muzaffarabad-based umbrella organisation of several outfits.

On the return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homes in the valley, he alleged that they had migrated at the behest of the then state Governor Jagmohan.

''If they want, they can return and even take part in the freedom movement. This movement does not belong to the Kashmiri Muslims only, but all,'' the Hizb chief said.

He termed as ''hilarious'' India's move to put him on extradition list and the demand to Pakistan that he should be handed over to it.

''I am in Kashmir...This is my land and I have every right to be here in my land,'' Salahuddin added.

He also said that it was the desire of the militant leadership that all separatists should unite in the struggle so that ''freedom'' could be achieved.

''If they (Hurriyat and other separatist leadership) all come together at one point, we will walk behind them. I believe it will take us near our goal,'' the Hizb chief said.

Asked if he has come closer to moderate Hurriyat Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, he said, ''We are not away from anyone...We don't have animosity with anyone, but deep affection for anybody who plays his role in the freedom movement,'' Salahuddin added.

UNI

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