Salahuddin seeks military help from Pakistan

Islamabad, Oct 21: Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Salahuddin has urged Pakistan to extend "military support" to help secede Jammu and Kashmir from India.

"The festering (Kashmir) issue is not going to resolve through talks or resolutions… Pakistan should militarily support Kashmiris by providing resources to the mujahideen," the Dawn on Friday quoted him as saying.

"If the mujahideen get military support, not only Kashmir will clinch freedom but the map of the subcontinent will also undergo a change," the United Jihad Council (UJC) Chairman added.

He, however, declined to elaborate the kind of military support required by the militants in Jammu and Kashmir, where a separatist campaign raging since 1989 has left thousands dead.

India accuses Pakistan of providing arms, money and training to the militants fighting to end Indian rule in Jammu and Kashmir. Islamabad says it only gives political and diplomatic support to the rebels.

"When the world is paying no heed to us, the only option left with us is the armed struggle," added Salahuddin, who has been living in Pakistan for many years.

Originally a resident of Budgam district in Jammu and Kashmir, Salahuddin unsuccessfully contested assembly elections in the state in 1987 and later went over to Pakistan.

He heads the United Jihad Council, an umbrella organisation of separatist groups which enjoy the backing of Pakistan.