India accused of ceasefire violation

Hizbul: Indian troops forcing activists to surrender

By Altaf Hussein in Srinagar

A Kashmiri militant group has accused Indian forces of violating a ceasefire announced by the two sides a fortnight ago.

In a statement delivered to a local news agency, Hizbul Mujahideen spokesman Commander Mas'ud said the security forces had killed a Hizbul activist at Arnas village in Udhampur district on Saturday.

He also accused the security forces of forcing Hizbul militants to surrender in Kangan, Gutlibagh and Ganderbal areas.

The Indian army has refused to comment on the allegations, saying it will only respond after reading the statement.

Friction between the two sides was first felt when the Indian troops killed a Hizbul activist in Batcomb district, just two days after the group had announced a unilateral ceasefire.

The Indian army said later that the incident had been the result of a misunderstanding.

Allegations

But Commander Mas'ud is now accusing the security forces of deliberately violating the cease fire.

Hizbul has asked other militant groups to join the peace initiative

He said the group's next meeting with the Indian officials could be delayed by a couple of days as Hizbul commanders were taking stock of the situation on the ground.

But he said the meeting will take place this week.

Meanwhile, the Hizbul Mujahideen has renewed its appeal to the other militant groups to support its initiative for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir problem.

The Pakistan-based chief of the group, Syed Salahuddin, wants Pakistan to be involved in the talks too.

He has asked the Indian authorities to agree to this demand by Tuesday evening, or he may withdraw from the ceasefire.