Lashkar, Jaish favours LoC for own interests: Inquilabi

Srinagar, Jan 11: A senior separatist leader has said militant groups such as the banned Lashkar-e-Toiba and the Jaish-e-Mohammad favoured the existence of the Line of Control (LoC) so that they could continue with their activities in Kashmir.

Mahaaz-e-Azadi patron Mohammad Azam Inquilabi urged India and Pakistan to take steps to resolve the Kashmir issue on the basis of the right of self-determination if the two countries want militant organisations with international agenda such as the Jaish and the Lashkar to wind up in the Valley.

''It will be an extremely bad day for militant groups such as the Jaish and the Lashkar when India and Pakistan agree to demolish the LoC,'' he said here.

Mr Inquilabi said the Jaish and the Lashkar had a global agenda and favoured the existence of the LoC so that they could continue with their activities in Kashmir.

On the contrary, he said United Jehad Council chairman and Hizbul Mujahideen supremo Syed Salahuddin had a limited political agenda, envisaging a complete troop withdrawal by India and Pakistan and giving the two parts of Jammu and Kashmir a chance to re-unite.

Mr Inquilabi said his party's stand was similar to that of the Hurriyat Conference. Both the parties want that a climate be created for ascertaining the will of the people through a democratic process after the demolition of the LoC, he added.

Mr Inquilabi said the the ongoing dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue was in its last stages.

''What is needed is that India and Pakistan should erase the LoC after relinquishing the parts of Jammu and Kashmir under their control and allow the people to decide their own future,'' he added.

Mr Inquilabi said breakaway Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani was his mentor. However, the separatist leader said he was Mr Geelani's master in planning.

He also lavished praise on moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, saying at least he talked in favour of the people of Jammu and Kashmir during his overseas visits.

UNI