Militants would continue 'war' against Indian forces

Rezaul H Laskar
Islamabad, Mar 21 (PTI) A Pakistan-based top militant
body has said that it has increased its activities in the
northernmost Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir as per a
"definite plan" and it will continue the "war" against Indian
security forces.

"The activities of the mujahideen (militants) have
increased and are increasing according to a definite plan. We
are fighting a guerrilla war that cannot be at a constant
pace. There is sit and stop, according to a plan, and we are
continuing our war," said Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed
Salahuddin, who also heads the United Jehad Council, an
amalgam of several Kashmiri militant groups.
The militant commander claimed the "uprising" in Jammu
and Kashmir, which borders Pakistan, had never declined and
world governments and the media had "underestimated" it due to
pressure in the wake of 9/11 terror attacks in the US.
In an interview to Dawn News channel, Salahuddin said
that he supported the Taliban's war against US-led forces in
Afghanistan.
"As far as Taliban's ideology is that US and other
foreign forces should leave Afghanistan, we support it 110 per
cent and think it is correct. But it is illegal to conduct any
activities within Pakistan," he claimed.
Salahuddin, who opeartes from Pakistan-occupied
Kashmir's capital Muzaffarabad, dismissed a question about the
Taliban being behind attacks within Pakistan, saying: "Any
mujahid can never be involved in disruptive actions in
Pakistan."
He claimed there was no proof that militants from
groups like the Hizb-e-Islami or Pakistani and Afghan Taliban
were involved in attacks within Pakistan.
The militant leader also dismissed the interviewer's
contention that the Pakistani Taliban had claimed
responsibility for attacks within the country.
He alleged India had tried to misguide the world
community and pressurise Pakistan by claiming militants based
in the country were involved in the Mumbai attacks.
"The Mumbai attacks had no link to the Kashmir
movement and would make no difference to it," he claimed.
Noting that the Hizbul Mujahideen had attacked the
Wullar barrage in Jammu and Kashmir in 1992, Salahuddin said
the militants could attack other dams in the Indian state "if
there is a need."
He added: "It is not a big issue for us." Salahuddin
claimed the regime of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf
had damaged the Kashmir movement in 2002 by agreeing to talks
with India. PTI RHL
RDM


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