Amid frequent strikes called by separatists in the Kashmir Valley, Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Sallahuddin has said such protests were not a good option as the common man was suffering badly.
"This movement is not for two or four days, it will take time...so continuous strikes are not a good option. The movement should continue and educational institutions and economy should run simultaneously," he said.
"There should be a strategy and direction to the movement so that people don't suffer and the ongoing movement against India continues. The hartal call can be given in a phased manner so that common man is not put to trouble and the education of children continues," he told a local news agency.
The Hizbul chief, who also heads the United Jihad Council, an amalgam of 13 militant outfits, favoured taking the protests to district levels.
"Calls should be given for march to Sopore, Anantnag, Baramulla and Kupwara or other districts, while the people in other areas continue their normal work. This will not affect the economy and education," he said.
Opposing Centre's talks with separatists, he said, "The Hurriyat leadership should stay away from any dialogue process with India for the time being. Instead they should formulate a joint strategy."
He said UJC has suspended all its armed activities in the plains of Kashmir where people are protesting.
"However the Hizbul Mujahideen would intensify their attacks in the hinterlands," he warned.
Refuting the government's claim of influx from across the border, the UJC chairman said India has deployed 3.5 lakh security personnel on the LoC and asked how infiltration could be possible in such a scenario. "If they (government) make such claims, then what are they doing on the LoC," he wondered.
