Syed Salahuddin, chairman of the United Jehad Council (UJC) based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and supreme commander of militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen, has expressed his willingness to talk to New Delhi if a “sincere offer for dialogue is made”.
He made these remarks in an interview to a news agency published in local newspapers in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday.
The militant leader — who is among India’s list of 20 most wanted militants from Pakistan — has been quoted as saying: “If a sincere offer comes from the Government of India to the UJC for talks for finding a solution acceptable to the people of Kashmir, we are ready to accept such an offer.”
But, he added that the “solution to the Kashmir dispute” could be reached after bringing India, Pakistan and the people of Kashmir to a dialogue table.
The militant leader’s readiness for a dialogue is timed with the progress made by the three interlocutors on J&K.
Salahuddin also denounced the strategy of Kashmir separatists of giving calls for shutdowns. He said 85% Kashmiris lead a hand-to-mouth existence and no nation could observe strikes forever. “We had appealed to our friends on July 24 to strategise the movement but unfortunately, they didn’t listen ... But now they should learn a lesson from their mistakes.”
{{/usCountry}}Salahuddin also denounced the strategy of Kashmir separatists of giving calls for shutdowns. He said 85% Kashmiris lead a hand-to-mouth existence and no nation could observe strikes forever. “We had appealed to our friends on July 24 to strategise the movement but unfortunately, they didn’t listen ... But now they should learn a lesson from their mistakes.”
{{/usCountry}}