Syed Salahuddin

Hizbul Mujahadeen founder and chief, Salahuddin, 55, is based in Pakistan. He is for self-determination for the people of Kashmir and advocates a plebiscite and tripartite talks.

Hizbul Mujahideen founder and chief, Salahuddin, 55, is based in Pakistan. He is for self-determination for the people of Kashmir and advocates a plebiscite and tripartite talks.

He is the chief of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, which is the militant wing of Jamaat-e-Islami. Also, he is the chairman of the United Jehad Council under which come all militant outfits fighting in Jammu and Kashmir. The group does not have fidayeen squads. Its favoured strategy is operating with mine blasts.

As Yusuf Shah, he had contested elections in Jammu and Kashmir on a Jamaat ticket, but lost. Later, he changed his name to Syed Salahuddin. He is now also know as Peer Sahib among the militants in the Valley.