Author: Correspondent
Publication: NDTV.com
Date: July 7, 2010
URL: http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/hizbul-chief-holds-anti-india-rally-in-islamabad-36030
Even as the Pakistani government talks about
cracking down on terror groups, Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin addressed
a rally in Islamabad.
Salahuddin made 'anti-India' remarks at that
rally, organised by the Pakistan chapter of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference
(APHC) near the radical Lal Masjid.
Salahuddin was among several Kashmiri militant
leaders who addressed the rally organised to protest against the alleged human
rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir.
It was attended by scores of protesters who
shouted slogans against the Indian government and the Army.
Salahuddin, also the head of the United Jihad
Council (UJC), said the Kashmiri people were making sacrifices for the "independence"
of Jammu and Kashmir.
"If the Pakistan government could not
protect the interests of the Kashmiris, it should step aside as they are capable
of fighting for their cause," he said.
The rally was also addressed by leaders of
the Mirwaiz and Gilani factions of APHC and other separatist leaders from
the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
After lying low for several years during the
tenure of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, who had cracked down on
Kashmiri militants groups, Salahuddin has emerged since last year to lead
several protests and rallies.
Most of these protests have been organised
in Muzaffarabad, the capital of PoK, and this was the first time Salahuddin
spoke in public in Islamabad in several years.
