Srinagar, May 26: Chairman of United Jihad Council and Supreme Commander of Hizbul Mujahideen, Syed Salahuddin, on Thursday said the amalgam didn’t call for boycott of Panchayat polls as these are for local self governance. He blamed “political rivalry” and agencies for the killing of candidates contesting the Panchayat elections in the state.
“Militant leadership has not taken any decision to target the candidates. However, we can’t rule out that some Mujahideen on ground may have targeted some candidates. But most of the times, political rivalry and Indian agencies are behind these killings,” a local news agency KNS quoted Salahuddin as having said.
“We didn’t call for boycott of Panchayat polls as these are for local self arrangements and are different from assembly elections. You don’t have to take oath under Indian constitution in Panchayat polls,” he said.
He blamed agencies for creating “civil-war” like situation in the Valley. “After massive participation of people in 2008, 09 and 10 pro-freedom protests, agencies want to break the peoples’ coordination. They target local poll candidates to create rift among people.”
On Jamiat-e-Ahli Hadees, president, Moulana Showkat Ahmad Shah’s killing, he said, “There are several rumors associated with the killing. Some say he became victim of internal bickering within his party. Others allege Moulana sahib was close to establishment due to which he was targeted by the radical elements. There can be difference of opinion but such killings are inhuman acts.”
He said that UJC was making efforts to expose the killers of Moulana Showkat. “Our network in the Valley hasn’t been able to crack the case yet. But we will continue with our efforts to expose the killers.
Rejecting the police version on the killing, he said, “It can’t be taken final. Agencies are creating hostile environment for pro-freedom leaders so that they can be targeted and mujahideen can be blamed.”
Asked whether ‘All Party Conference’ formed to probe the Moulana’s killing, contacted UJC leadership to, Salah-ud-Din said, “No one contacted me directly. But I heard that they (Valley based separatist leaders) are trying to contact me.”
On the recent talks offer by Union Home Secretary, G K Pillai, to Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, he said, “Only tripartite talks or UN resolutions can be the basis of any dialogue process. Salahuddin, (Syed Ali Shah) Geelani sahib or Mirwaiz (Umar Farooq) can’t solve it by talking to (Prime Minister) Manmohan Singh. Pakistan is holding one third of Kashmir and is a basic party to the dispute. It can’t be resolved bilaterally.”
Urging separatists leaders not to give roadmaps every now and then for the resolution of Kashmir issue, he said, “By giving new roadmaps we are damaging our cause. It is India’s stubbornness which is not allowing the resolution of the vexed Kashmir issue.”
Rejecting state government’s claims about rehabilitation policy, he said, “Agencies are forcing families of mujahideen and migrants to return back. Two or three migrant families may have applied due to some compulsions, but that doesn’t mean mujahideen want to go back and surrender. It is a blatant lie.”
On Army’s claims that no infiltration had occurred taken place in the past six months, Salahuddin said, “Our mujahideen can come and go at their own will. There is no question that Army can stop us. But we have hundreds of local training camps in the state where we recruit and train the mujahideen.”
On the killing of Al-Qaeda chief, Osama bin Laden by US forces, he said, “There is question mark over US claims of killing of Osama. Why will Osama remain in city like Abbotabad for five years? Was Osama’s body shown to any responsible Pakistani institution? Why didn’t US forces capture Osama alive as they could have arrested more al-Qaeda leaders if Osama would have been in there custody?”
Asked to comment on India’s threats of US like strikes inside Pakistan, the UJC chairman said, “Pakistan has enough capacity and capabilities to give befitting reply to any Indian aggression. If India commits such mistake ever, whole India will be targeted with nuclear missiles.”
The Hizb supermo said that Pakistan was supporting Kashmiris despite internal security problems. “Pakistan cannot compromise with the Kashmir issue as it would be compromise on their security. Till Kashmir issue remains un-resolved Pakistan can never consider itself safe.”
He appealed separatist leaders to unite in the interests of the movement. “Unity is in the best interests of the movement. Militant leadership will always support you.” (KNS)

Lastupdate on : Thu, 26 May 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 26 May 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 IST