New Delhi, June 14
India has expressed serious concern over Pakistan Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad's involvement in the training of jehadis in guerrilla warfare, saying “it is particularly serious that people directly involved in such activities continue to occupy high positions” in that country.
This was revealed by JKLF chief Yasin Malik forming part of the All-Party Hurriyat delegation, at present in Pakistan, at a meeting during an exhibition in Islamabad on June 13 that Sheikh Rashid Ahmad had set up a camp where around 3,500 jehadis were trained in guerrilla warfare.
Asked about a report appearing in a Pakistani newspaper yesterday, the spokesperson for the External Affairs Ministry maintained here today "our stand remains that no effective action has been taken by Pakistan to dismantle the infrastructure of support to terrorism on a permanent basis."
He said this was contrary to the assurances given by the Pakistani leadership that Islamabad would not allow any territory within its control to be used to support terrorism in any manner. “It is our sincere hope that Pakistan will abide by its commitment,” the spokesman added.
ANI adds from Islamabad: JKLF Chairman Yassin Malik has said Pakistan’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Sheikh Rashid actively supported the armed struggle in Kashmir when terrorism was at its peak in the valley by setting up militant training camps.
Rashid trained around 3500 jihadis in guerrilla warfare around that time, Malik said.
“Sheikh Rashid has played a great role for Kashmir’s liberation. He used to support the frontline jihadis, but very few people know about his contributions,” the JKLF chief reportedly said at an exhibition of 1.5 million signatures by Kashmiris demanding their involvement in the dialogue process.
According to the Daily Times, the separatist leader praised the Pakistani leader for his immense contribution to the armed struggle in Kashmir.
But, when journalists approached the minister for his response the latter refused to comment.
The exhibition showed thousands of pictures of Kashmiri people participating in Malik’s signature campaign. Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, who also visited the exhibition, called for a solution that helped the Kashmiris and fulfilled their wishes.
PTI adds: In a deft attempt to divert adverse attention following comments by JKLF leader Yasin Malik that he organised camps to train militants to fight in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan’s Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said today that the separatist leader might have been referring to some other “Sheikh” and not him.
“I do not know which Sheikh he is referring to. There are so many Sheikhs in Rawalpindi,” Rashid said here in response to Malik’s remarks
— PTI
