MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, Jan 22 (News Agencies) - Hizbul Mujahideen leader Syed Salahuddin said Monday his outfit stood for the accession of disputed Kashmir to Pakistan but hinted at compromise amid ongoing peace moves.
The chief of Kashmir's most powerful Muslim group said it would accept any decision on the future of Kashmir if it is taken by the Kashmiris themselves.
"Our struggle has always been for accession of Kashmir to Pakistan because the state [of Jammu and Kashmir] has always been linked geographically as well as historically to the areas which now form Pakistan," he said.
"If the people of Kashmir give their verdict in favor of any other option, we will respect and accept their opinion as a final decision."
His statement follows indications that separatist groups are divided over whether Kashmir should be independent or part of Pakistan amid budding efforts on both sides of the disputed border to start a peace dialogue.
Salahuddin denied Pakistani media reports that he had supported an independent Kashmir in interviews with Indian magazines.
"Let me make it clear that we stick to our old stand. But the ultimate decision is of the people of Kashmir and we will accept it with open hearts," he said.
The main separatist alliance, the All-Party Hurriyat Conference based on the Indian side of the divided Himalayan state, has applied to send a team to Pakistan for initial talks.
But India, which has suspended military operations against the Muslim opposition, has delayed issuing travel permits as Kashmiri fighters continue attacks against prominent Indian targets.
India blames Pakistan for fostering the conflict in the region, which has claimed 34,000 lives in the Indian zone of Kashmir since 1989.
