Though militant organisations in Muzaffarabad have refused to meet Hurriyat leaders visiting Pakistan, one of the most important commanders of fighting militias, Syed Salahuddin, is understood to have directed all foreign militants operating in Indian Held Kashmir to stop killing innocent Kashmiris, South Asia Tribune reported.Salahuddin's directive is being seen as a new development by the Indian security forces, and understandably so, as he heads the Hizbul Mujahideen, the most potent of the fighting forces. Sources said that Salahuddin's message was intercepted in the last few days and in part said: "If any operation is carried out without consent of seniors sitting here, be prepared to face the consequences."
Bashir Butt (name changed on account of security reasons) of Radio Kashmir says, "Indigenous militant organisations still have influence, particularly among the lower classes as they are seen as saviours. But foreign militants have lost their ground and acceptability. They are undisciplined, indulge in un-Islamic activities such as debauchery, sexual orgies and they often kidnap young women from towns and villages. This is the reason why the indigenous organisations like Hizb have taken arms against these elements who are violating the true spirit of jihad."
Butt provided some rough estimates about the incidents of kidnapping by foreign militants that have substantially contributed to the erosion in the acceptability of these elements. "Though we cannot absolve the Indian forces of atrocities against women, the foreign militants are doing the same thing. They are indulging in gang rapes, keeping women in detention and later even killing them," he said.