By Zaffar Abbas in Islamabad

The authorities in Pakistan are reported to have detained the most prominent of three pro-Kashmiri militants freed by India in exchange for the release of hostages in the Kandahar hijacking.

Maulana Masood Azhar was taken into custody two days ago, according to sources in his newly created pro-Kashmiri militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed (Army of Mohammed).

They say that there has been no word from him since, and that they are not aware of any charges being brought against him.

No official confirmation

The Pakistani authorities have maintained a discreet silence on Maulana Azhar's sudden disappearance.

The Dawn newspaper quoted a spokesman for the Ministry of Interior as saying he was not in a position to "confirm or deny the report."

Hijackers' demand

A Pakistani national, Maulana Azhar shot to prominence in December last year, when the hijackers of an Indian Airlines plane made his release from prison in India their main demand.

When he was freed, more than 150 hostages were released from the plane that had been taken to the Afghan city of Kandahar.

Although the identity of the hijackers is still unclear, Maulana Azhar has been in Pakistan since his release, along with the two other freed pro-Kashmiri militants.

Provocative statements

Soon after his return, he made some fiery speeches calling for a more vigorous militant movement inside Indian-administered Kashmir.

Last week, he set up his Jaish-e-Mohammed group.

Some of his highly provocative statements drew international criticism, and Maulana Azhar's move to form his own pro-Kashmiri faction annoyed a number of groups who have remained in the forefront of the Kashmiri militant movement.

While there remains no official word on his detention, it appears the Pakistani authorities may have taken him into custody to avoid any new controversy.