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Now Hizbul Objects to Opening of Siachen for Tourists

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Sept 20: After the objections from Pakistan, pro-Pakistan militant group, Hizbul Mujahideen has also objected to the opening of Siachen glacier for the tourists. The militant group has termed the opening of glacier for tourists as an open threat.

A spokesman of the militant group, Junaid-ul-Islam in a tele-statement to a local news agency in Srinagar, said that despite genuine objections from Pakistan, India has opened up the world's highest battle ground - Siachen glacier - to tourists. "This reflects the expansionist tendencies of the Indian government", Hizbul spokesman said.

He said that for 37 years, Siachen remains part of Pakistan but India silently occupied it in 1984 and since then, several rounds of dialogue have been held between the officials of the two countries to resolve the issue. "Despite India and Pakistan holding dialogue to resolve the Siachen issue, the Indian government has claimed that it was its integral part and opened it for tourists", he said.

The Hizbul spokesman said that by opening Siachen for tourists, India is trying to strengthen its occupation of the glacier. "It has vindicated our apprehensions that under the name of dialogue process, the Indian government is trying to befool the world community", he said.

The Hizbul spokesman further said that the one sided flexibility shown by Pakistan and some Kashmiri leaders is proving counter-productive. "On the name of peace process, India is trying to crush the freedom struggle of Kashmiris and the militants operating in Kashmir won't allow such nefarious designs of India succeed", he added.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.