'We have a definite plan. We are at war against India'

Top Kashmiri terrorist commander Syed Salahuddin on Sunday admitted that the activities of terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir had increased according to a 'definite plan' and they were continuing their 'war' against Indian security forces.

"In the field, the activities of the mujahideen have increased and are increasing according to a definite plan. We are fighting a guerrilla war that cannot be at a constant pace. There is sit and stop, according to a plan, and we are continuing our war," said Salahuddin, who heads the Hizbul Mujahideen and United Jihad Council.

He claimed the "uprising" in Jammu and Kashmir had never declined and world governments and the media had "underestimated" it due to pressure in the wake of 9/11 terror attacks in the US.

He also claimed there was no infiltration by militants across the Line of Control.

Salahuddin said during an interview with Dawn News channel that he supported the Taliban's war against US-led forces in Afghanistan.

'As far as Taliban's ideology is that US and other foreign forces should leave Afghanistan, we support it 110 per cent and think it is correct. But it is illegal to conduct any activities within Pakistan,' he claimed.

Salahuddin dismissed a question about the Taliban being behind attacks within Pakistan, saying: 'Any mujahid can never be involved in disruptive actions in Pakistan.'

He claimed there was no proof that militants from groups like the Hizb-e-Islami or Pakistani and Afghan Taliban were involved in attacks within Pakistan.

The terrorist commander also dismissed the interviewer's contention that the Pakistani Taliban had claimed responsibility for attacks within the country and alleged such attacks were being carried out by "some 40,000 people who were trained in 12 training camps run by India in Afghanistan".

He alleged India had tried to misguide the world community and pressurise Pakistan by claiming that terrorists based in the country were involved in the Mumbai attacks.

The Mumbai attacks had no link to the Kashmir movement and would make no difference to it, he claimed.

Noting that the Hizbul Mujahideen had attacked the Wullar barrage in Jammu and Kashmir in 1992, Salahuddin said terrorists could attack other dams in the Indian state 'if there is a need'.

He added: 'It is not a big issue for us.'

Salahuddin claimed the regime of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf had damaged the Kashmir movement in 2002 by agreeing to talks with India.