Kashmiri leaders criticise Zardari for calling J-K jihadis 'terrorists'
6 Oct 2008, 2113 Hrs

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Srinagar, Oct 6 Leaders of Jammu and Kashmir today criticized Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari's statement describing militants in the state as terrorists, who were earlier called jehadis.

Maulavi Abbas Ansari, leader of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, while refuting that there are terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, said, "The Kashmiris have always been in favour of dialogue to resolve the issue."

"No, he (Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari) is wrong. There aren't any terrorists in Kashmir and there will not be in future," said Ansari in Srinagar.

The president of People's Democratic Party, Mehbooba Mufti, also condemned the statement as baseless.

"I think Zardari's statement seems to be out of tune with the ground situation in Kashmir," said Mufti.

However, Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma welcomed the statement as it underscored India's resolve in its fight against terrorism.

"India has long been working with other countries to create a global consensus to confront and defeat this challenge, which is a global scourge," said Sharma at a conference in Shimla on Sunday.

"India has proposed in the UN a comprehensive convention against terrorism, which has received tremendous support. We hope it will be adopted soon," Sharma added.

Zardari in an interview to Wall Street Journal on Sunday stated that the militants operating in Jammu and Kashmir are terrorists. (ANI)