JKLF demands autonomy in Kashmir

Activists of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) marched through the streets on Friday to demand freedom and autonomy in the state.

Srinagar, Sept. 8 : Activists of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) marched through the streets on Friday to demand freedom and autonomy in the state.

The activists were returning from a 15,000 kilometre-long (Safar-e-Azadi) "journey for freedom" around Jammu and Kashmir, led by their Chairman Mohammad Yaseen Malik.

Malik stressed on the participation of Kashmir's people in the dialogue process on peace between India and Pakistan.

"They are supporting the dialogue process. But the issue of Kashmir is not a border issue that can be decided by only the governments of Pakistan and India. The people of Kashmir need to be included in this dialogue to take it forward. So this is a democratic verdict," he said.

Malik added that this was the last leg of their journey, which would conclude on September 11. The next phase will commence after holy month of Ramadan in Jammu.

Carrying torches and shouting freedom slogans, the protestors were welcomed by residents with flowers and freedom cries.

JKLF declared a ceasefire with India in 1994 and has been fighting politically for complete independence of Kashmir, both from India and Pakistan.

Malik had earlier said both Kashmiris and militant leaders should be made party to the ongoing peace process between India and Pakistan for concrete results.

Safar-e-Azadi started on May 20, from Kokernag in Kashmir.

ANI