Split in Kashmiri separatist ranks

An alliance of separatist groups fighting Indian rule in Kashmir has declared its support for Syed Salahuddin, the leader of Hizbul Mujahideen, for his decision to dismiss several prominent commanders from his group.

The decision came at a meeting of the alliance, the United Jihad Council in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani-administered Kashmir.

Hizbul Mujahideen has been purging commanders it believes are undermining its policy of armed struggle in Kashmir.

The BBC correspondent in Srinagar says the split in Hizbul Mujahideen comes at a time when the main Kashmiri separatist alliance, the All Party Hurriyat Conference, is divided on whether to continue the armed struggle, or contest the forthcoming Jammu and Kashmir state assembly election.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service