Defiant Kashmiri separatist denounces US terrorist designation

MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan (Reuters) – A Kashmiri armed group’s commander on Saturday denounced his designation as a terrorist by the United States, vowing to continue his armed fight against Indian rule over its part of the divided Himalayan territory.

Syed Salahuddin called the decision by US President Donald Trump’s administration “idiotic,” saying it was a gift to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was visiting Washington on Monday, the day Salahuddin was declared a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.

“They cannot quote a single incident to prove that we are terrorists,” Salahuddin told a news conference in Muzaffarabad, the capital of the Pakistani portion of Kashmir, where he has been based for some 25 years as leader of the Hizbul Mujahideen, the largest of the anti-Indian Kashmiri armed groups.

“This idiocy can neither weaken our courage, nor stop the freedom struggle and the target-oriented actions of freedom fighters,” he added, saying his fighters’ attacks were on legitimate military targets as opposed to civilians.

Gun-wielding Hizbul Mujahideen members wearing fatigues escorted his vehicle to the news conference venue.

Pakistan denies giving material help to Kashmiri separatists but reiterated earlier this week that it would continue to provide diplomatic and moral support to the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination.

India blames Pakistan for stoking the 28-year-old revolt in Muslim-majority Kashmir and has stepped up efforts to put pressure on Pakistan under Modi.

Security forces in Indian-administered Kashmir have been accused by activists and rights groups of killing up to 100 separatist protesters since new mass anti-India demonstrations broke out in September.