UJC offers unilateral truce in J

Srinagar, Nov 28 (UNI) The Muzaffarabad-based United Jehad Council (UJC), an umbrella organisation of several militant groups operating in Jammu and Kashmir, today said it was ready to announce unilateral ceasefire in the strife-torn state provided India fulfilled its three conditions first.

In an interview to local media here, UJC chairman Syed Salahuddin said the militant outfits were ready to offer truce provided India accepted their three conditions.

''All the prisoners should be released unconditionally, strength of troops be reduced to pre-1989 position in Jammu and Kashmir and human rights violations stopped immediately,'' he said.

Salahuddin also heads the Hizbul Mujahideen which is the single largest indigenous militant group operating in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Hizb had declared a unilateral truce on July 25, 2000 for three months, but called it off within 15 days on August 8, 2000, following India's refusal to include Pakistan in any trilateral talks over the Kashmir issue as proposed by the outfit.

''I would be the happiest person if guns on both the sides go silent. But, India has to prove its sincerity by taking some major steps. If they do so, we are ready to announce a truce even today,'' Salahuddin said.

Asked where would the talks be held, he said the agenda of negotiations was important and not the venue.

The Hizb supreme commander termed as ''baseless'' the reports about Islamabad tightening its noose around the militant groups in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

''My presence in Muzaffarabad proves that these are just rumours.

Militants fighting in Kashmir have acquired latest technology and are self reliant and not dependent upon any other country for carrying on their struggle,'' he claimed.

Salahuddin said Jammu and Kashmir police personnel were causing maximum damage to militants and this was the biggest victory for the Indian security forces.

''I appeal to the policemen to take care of the national interest while discharging their duties,'' he added.

The UJC chairman said ''Indian agents'' have infiltrated into the militant ranks.

The Hizb has already instructed its cadres to keep an eye on such elements who target the innocent civilians, he said, adding they have been told to catch and punish such people.

''Attack on devotees at Tahab in Pulwama district was carried out at the behest of a close accomplice of a surrendered militant Ashfaq who works for the Indian armed forces,'' he alleged.

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