''But we will not launch attacks against civilians or any public places,” says Salahuddin,whose real name is Mohmmad Yousuf Shah, in an interview with a Pakistani TV programme..

Chief of militant group Hizb-ul Mujahideen Syed Salahuddin has claimed that Kashmiri militants have launched many operations against Indian forces in the State and have the ability to hit targets anywhere in India at any time.

The militant leader made the claims during an interview on Jirga, a talk show hosted on Pakistan’s Geo TV on Sunday.

‘Attacks will go on’

Speaking after being designated a global terrorist on June 26 by the U.S., Salahuddin said his struggle was for the freedom of Kashmir.

“We have launched attacks against Indian forces and security installations and will continue to do so. We can strike anywhere in India at the time of our choosing. But we will not launch attacks against civilians or any public places,” Salahuddin, who’s real name is Mohmmad Yousuf Shah, said.

Salahuddin is based in Pakistani-Occupied Kashmir and divides his time between Rawalpindi and Muzaffarabad. He also heads the alliance of 13 militant organizations, the so-called United Jihad Council.

Asked where he got the weapons to fight against Indian forces, Salahuddin said he purchased them from the international market and said he could procure any weapon if the required money is given to him.

Terming the Kashmir struggle as is a freedom struggle, the militant leader said Kashmiri groups cannot be dubbed terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda and Taliban.

He termed the U.S. declaration as being in contravention of U.N. resolutions and claimed that U.S. administration had taken the step to please India. However, he declared that despite the U.S. declaration the freedom struggle for Kashmir would continue.

Salahuddin alleged that the Indian Army was committing terrorist acts in Kashmir by targeting unarmed Kashmiris through ruthless use of bullets and pellets, arbitrary arrests and molestation of women.



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The militant leader said both Pakistan and China morally and diplomatically supported the Kashmiris in their struggle for freedom from India.

Confirms stand: India

The government on Monday said the “recent utterances by Salahuddin” on a Pakistani news channel had confirmed India’s stand that he was a “terrorist.”

Home Ministry spokesperson Ashok Prasad said his designation as a global terrorist by the United States was “well deserved”.

India has been describing Salahuddin as a terrorist all along, and his own remarks had confirmed that, Mr. Prasad said.

“His designation as a global terrorist by the U.S. is well deserved," Mr. Prasad said. Mr. Prasad also said Salahuddin was “instrumental” in providing funds to terrorists and separatists. He has been giving other kinds of assistance to the militants, Mr. Prasad added.