The Pakistan-based United Jihad Council on Tuesday threw its weight behind firebrand Jamaat-e-Islami leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani and criticised his removal from the executive body of the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference.

"The political leadership of Kashmir is involved in Hurriyat's internal rift," UJC said in a statement.

It urged the Hurriyat leadership to redress Geelani's grievances and re-induct him into the executive body to enhance the amalgam's credibility.

Another terrorist outfit, the Hizbul Momineen, asked the Jamaat to support the 'isolated' separatist leader.