Separatists reject Deoband clerics' stand

Rejecting the stand taken by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind (JuH), a powerful body of Deoband clerics, on Jammu and Kashmir, separatists today said Kashmir was an internationally recognised issue and should not be viewed from the Hindu-Muslim angle.

Rejecting the stand taken by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind (JuH), a powerful body of Deoband clerics, on Jammu and Kashmir, separatists on Monday said Kashmir was an internationally recognised issue and should not be viewed from the Hindu-Muslim angle.

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They, however, welcomed Jamiat's stand seeking revocation of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

"We do not view Kashmir issue from the Hindu-Muslim angle. It is a political issue which needs to be resolved," moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq said.

He said Kashmir was an "internationally recognised dispute" and the problem could be resolved through dialogue among India, Pakistan and leadership of the state.

Mirwaiz welcomed clerics' stand seeking revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. He also appreciated the concern shown by them over "violation of human rights" in the Valley.

JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik said the JuH was issuing such statements out of compulsion and it would be better for them not to dabble in Kashmir issue.

"It is their compulsion to issue such statements and we can understand that. It would be better for them to stay away from Kashmir issue," Malik said.

The JuH has said Jammu and Kashmir's future lies with India and the interest of Kashmiri people is not separate from those of Indian Muslims.