APHC leaders denounce Indian FM's statement

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Syed Ali Gilani said Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognised disputed territory.

ISLAMABAD: All Parties Hurriyet Conference (APHC) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and veteran Kashmiri Hurriyet leader Syed Ali Gilani on Friday denounced Indian Foreign Minister S M Krishna's statement that Kashmir is an integral part of India, , Kashmir Media Service reported.

The two leaders in separate interviews said that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognised disputed territory and the Kashmiri people have yet to decide their fate.

Farooq maintained that India's intransigence was the main hurdle in resolving the Kashmir dispute, while Gilani pointed out that the relevant United Nations resolutions stand testimony to the fact that India's claim over Jammu and Kashmir was unjustified and it had occupied the territory illegally and totally against the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Detained senior APHC leader, Shabbir Ahmed Shah talking to the media at a hospital in Jammu said that the referendum in Jammu and Kashmir was the only solution to the long standing conflict. He was brought there from Kot Bhalwal jail for medical check-up.

Meanwhile, the administration continued to impose strict curfew in Srinagar and other cities and towns of the Kashmir Valley for the 13th consecutive day.

Stringent restrictions were put in place to prevent people from holding anti-India demonstrations, call for which had been given by Gilani as part of Quit Kashmir Movement.

Due to restrictions Juma prayers could not be held at the Jamia Masjid in Srinagar and in other mosques in the territory, while the authorities continued to hold the two Kashmiri leaders under house arrest.