UJC hits out at Sardar Qayyum for ''condemnable utterances''

Srinagar, Apr 29 (UNI) The Muzaffarabad-based United Jehad Council (UJC), a conglomerate of several militant groups active in Jammu and Kashmir, has termed as ''condemnable utterances'' the statements of former Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) President and 'Prime Minister' Sardar Qayyum Khan during his ongoing visit to India.

Reacting strongly to his remarks, UJC spokesman Syed Sadaqat Hussain told the local media in a statement here that by giving such irresponsible statements, Sardar Qayyum has proved that he does not want an end to the ''slavery'' of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

''It seems he apprehends that freedom of the people will bring an end to his family rule. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have sacrificed more than five lakh lives to get freedom and are facing all sorts of atrocities for their just cause,'' he said.

The spokesman said Sardar Qayyum had described the ''armed resistance'' in Jammu and Kashmir as an impediment in the peace process. ''We need to remind him that he has got the honour of being the first Mujahid (militant) and had fired the first bullet on the basis of which he has been enjoying power for the past 59 years.'' Hussain alleged that Sardar Qayyum had formed a militant outfit, Al-Jehad Force, at the beginning of the armed resistance in Jammu and Kashmir and had accumulated huge funds in the name of the group from Europe and several Islamic countries.

''Receipts of the money he had collected are still lying with some people,'' he claimed.

The UJC spokesman equated Sardar Qayyum with late Kashmiri leader Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.

''Sardar Qayyum gives one statement in PoK, other in New Delhi and the third in Europe to please his bosses. He is following the same policy that had been adopted Sheikh Abdullah. The people of PoK need to re-think on their support to him,'' he added.

'''The UJC dismisses and condemns all such statements that are meant to damage the Kashmir cause,'' the spokesman said.

UNI