Hizb’s Naikoo slams Pak for not taking up K-issue

Srinagar, October 22

Hizbul Mujahideen’s top commander in the KashmirRiyaz Naikoo has made a rare criticism of Pakistani leaders for failing to represent the Kashmirissue on the diplomatic front.

“Only Pakistan can represent us on the diplomatic front, but unfortunately, the politicians there have limited the Kashmir issue to elections,” Naikoo said in a leaked audio message in which he addresses a gathering of militants based in Pakistan.

Naikoo, a resident Awantipora, had emerged as the most outspoken supporter of Pakistan in the aftermath of last year’s Islamist rebellion within militant ranks.

In the audio speech, he blames Pakistan and Hizbul’s leadership in Pakistan for a lack of effort.

Naikoo said some militants were forced to fight with small arms like pistols due to lack of weapons. “While the enemy’s technology is increasing and they are armed with modern weapons, our weapons are decreasing,” he said. — TNS