Pak defends Salahuddin, says global terrorist tag unjustified

on Tuesday described as “completely unjustified” the United States’ designation of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin as a global terrorist and reiterated its political support for the Kashmiri people’s “right to selfdetermination”.

A statement issued by the foreign office a day after the United States declared Salahuddin a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” said the “indigenous struggle of Kashmiris” in Jammu and Kashmir is “legitimate”.

The statement, issued in response to a question, made no reference to Pakistan-based Salahuddin, who also heads the United Jihad Council, or the US but was clearly a response to Hizb chief’s designation by the United States state department ahead of a meeting between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The designation of individuals supporting the Kashmiri right to self-determination as terrorists is completely unjustified,” the statement said.

The statement extended strong support to the separatist campaign in Jammu and Kashmir that has left thousands dead since 1989.

It accused the Indian government and security forces of rights violations and repressive policies in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Despite this relentless state terror, the Kashmiris remain undeterred and unbowed... Pakistan shall continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support for the just struggle of the Kashmiri people for the realisation of the right to self-determination and the peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nation security council resolutions,” the foreign office said in its statement.