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DATE=8/2/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=PAKISTAN-KASHMIR (L)
NUMBER=2-265061
BYLINE=AYAZ GUL
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO:  Muslim militant groups are denying involvement 
in the killing of more than 90 people, mostly Hindu 
civilians, in Indian Kashmir.  They say it could be 
the work of Indian intelligence agencies to portray 
"freedom fighters as terrorists".  Pakistan, which is 
accused of training the militants, has condemned the 
massacres.  From Islamabad, Ayaz Gul reports.
TEXT:  Most of the militant groups fighting Indian 
forces in Kashmir are based in Pakistan.  These 
guerrilla groups have denied Indian allegations they 
were involved in the massacres in the disputed 
Himalayan region.
Hafiz Mohammed Saeed is the head of Lashkar-e-Taiba, 
which is known for its suicide attacks against Indian 
forces in Kashmir.  Mr. Saeed says the killing of 
innocent civilians is against the spirit of their 
struggle in Kashmir.
            /// Saeed Act in Urdu, fade under ///
Mr. Saeed says their jihad, or holy war, is against 
Indian soldiers and not the civilians.
India accuses Pakistan of training Islamic militants 
to foment the 10-year old separatist rebellion in the 
two-thirds of Kashmir controlled by India.  Pakistan, 
which controls the rest, denies the charge and says it 
only provides moral and political support to what it 
calls a freedom struggle.
A Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesman, Riaz Mohammed 
Khan, says his country condemns the killing of 
civilians in Kashmir.  He says the possibility of the 
involvement of Indian forces in the attacks cannot be 
ruled out.
            /// Khan Act ///
      Pakistan condemns the reported loss of many 
      civilian lives in an attack in Indian held 
      Kashmir.  On previous occasions, terrorist acts 
      aimed at civilians have been carried out by 
      renegade elements, at the behest of the Indian 
      security forces, to malign the Kashmir freedom 
      struggle internationally.
            /// End Act ///
There are more than a dozen militant Islamic groups 
fighting for Kashmir's outright independence or its 
union with Muslim Pakistan.  India and Pakistan have 
already fought two wars over Kashmir.   (SIGNED)
NEB/AG/JP
02-Aug-2000 10:47 AM LOC (02-Aug-2000 1447 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.