J-K groups slam Pak President for ‘kneeling’ before India

These outfits, which had earlier opposed the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service, claimed Musharraf has compromised on the Kashmir issue. ‘‘Once the hero of Kargil, the General has knelt down before India,’’ the statement read. ‘‘But our resolve is that with the help of Allah we will not retreat from the jehad…’’

Also criticising Hizbul Mujahideen commander-in-chief Syed Salauddin for his statement that he was not opposed to the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service, the outfits claimed this showed his cowardice: ‘‘As Salauddin is a product of the Jamat-e-Islami, he started walking on the route taken by the Jamat and withdrew from the real jehad.”

Another pan-Islamic militant outfit, the Jamait-ul Mujahideen, also warned that they would ‘‘carry out the armed struggle till Kashmir is freed from the clutches of India’’.

Reacting to the summit meeting between Mushharraf and Singh, Geelani said the joint statement does not bring any relief to Kashmiris who are ‘‘facing the worst kind of state terrorism’’.

Srinagar-PoK road to open for trade, traders rejoice

Traders in the Valley have not stopped smiling since PM Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf agreed to allow movement of trucks across the LoC. ‘‘This will boost our economy,’’ says Rauf Ahmad Punjabi, president, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries, adding: ‘‘The Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road is reliable and will be economical.’’ Ghulam Rasool Bhat, president of Kashmir Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, says: ‘‘It’s a welcome step.’’ — ENS