Hardline Hurriyat Conference Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani today expressed displeasure over the hoisting of the Islamic State flags in the Valley, saying "such instances provide a handle to defame the ongoing struggle in Kashmir".  

"Waving of ISIS flags during peaceful demonstrations is against the discipline and also negates our strategy. Such things provide a handle to India to defame our legitimatefreedom struggle," Geelani said in a statement.   

He said "New Delhi is using it as a tool at the global level to convey a message that the struggle in Kashmir is not for right of self-determination but a problem of terrorism and the world community should lend its support to the people o fKashmir."   

"The ISIS and other like-minded groups, whatever their agenda and strategy, have nothing to do with Kashmir. The people of Kashmir are fighting for their right of self-determination and not pursuing any international programme," Geelani said.