Kashmiri hardliners name leader

Mr Geelani says he is in charge

A breakaway faction of the main separatist alliance in Indian-administered Kashmir has named a pro-Pakistan hardliner as its leader.

Syed Ali Shah Geelani took over as the head of the new group on Monday.

The All Party Hurriyat Conference split a week ago when half of its constituent groups said they had lost faith in moderate leader Moulvi Abbas Ansari.

His willingness to hold bilateral talks with India prompted the revolt.

The breakaway rebels are also angry with the chairman's decision not to expel the separatist alliance member, the People's Conference, which is accused of taking part by proxy in last year's state elections.

Correspondents say the split represents a formal parting of ways between groups which advocate independence for Kashmir and those which favour its merger with Pakistan.

'No majority'

Mr Geelani has the support of most of the rebel groups who have been fighting Indian troops since 1989.

Mr Ansari: Rebels oppose his stance on talks with India

"We demand that a trilateral dialogue be held under the supervision of the United Nations to settle the Kashmir dispute," Mr Geelani told The Associated Press after being appointed.

He said Mr Ansari had lost the confidence of Kashmiris.

Mr Ansari said the breakaway rebels had no right to appoint their own leader.

"Only 10 groups have expressed support for them and that is in no way a majority," he said.

Tensions

Jammu and Kashmir is the only Muslim-majority state in India.

India accuses Pakistan of aiding and arming the rebels - a charge Pakistan denies.

The Himalayan region of Kashmir is split between India and Pakistan, but both countries claim it in its entirety.