Hizb hails Omar's statement on talks with Salahuddin

Srinagar, Apr 6 (UNI) Hizbul Mujahideen, the single largest indigenous militant group active in Jammu and Kashmir, has lauded National Conference (NC) president Omar Abdullah for urging both India and Pakistan to hold talks with United Jehad Council (UJC) chief Syed Salahuddin on the resolution of the vexed issue.

''The statement of the NC president who represents a pro-India party vindicates our stand that talks on the Kashmir issue can only be held with Salahuddin. Other parties also want his inclusion in the ongoing dialogue process,'' Hizb spokesman Junaid-ul-Islam said.

In a statement to the local media here, the spokesman said talks being held with ''traditional politicians and accidental leaders'' were mere ''eyewash and nothing more than a photo session.'' He said Salahuddin has made it clear time and again that the dialogue process was futile without the inclusion of militants.

In his address to a public gathering at Ganderbal on Wednesday, Mr Abdullah had urged both India and Pakistan to hold talks with the Hizb supreme commander on troop withdrawal and other issues to ensure success of the ongoing peace process in Jammu and Kashmir.

''For the success of the ongoing peace process and withdrawal of troops in Jammu and Kashmir, both India and Pakistan should hold a dialogue with Salahuddin,'' he said.

Mr Abdullah, a former Union Minister, said during his father Farooq Abdullah's tenure as the Chief Minister, he had invited the Hizbul Mujahideen for talks.

''The five Hizb leaders who held talks were later eliminated during his (Dr Abdullah's) successor Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's rule.

This clearly indicates who is for peace and who is not,'' he added.

UNI