Hundreds of Kashmiri militants and refugees from Indian-held Kashmir rallied in Azad Kashmir on Thursday, vowing a holy war (jihad) to free their homeland from India. "Our path, our aim is jihad," shouted protesters led by Syed Salahuddin, head of the main Kashmiri guerrilla group,
| "Our path, our aim is jihad," shouted protesters led by Syed Salahuddin, head of the main Kashmiri guerrilla group, Hizbul Mujahideen. |
Jihad: Leaders from several other militant groups, including the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, also addressed the rally. Abu Saad Shabbir, a Lashkar leader, also called for jihad in the region to break India's hold. Relations between India and Pakistan had improved after the peace process was launched, but Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said last month it was under threat after attacks in New Delhi. Pakistan has denied involvement. Until a few weeks ago, the two armies had stuck to a ceasefire agreed in late 2003. Lately, there have been several exchanges of fire across the Line of Control.