Even as Pakistan weighs its options over the division in the Hurriyat Conference, the opposition Jamaat-e-Islami and the militant Hizbul Mujahideen group have declared their support to the faction led by pro-Pakistan leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani.
Also see: Split in Hurriyat Conference
"Geelani is a leader of national standing and has played a role in the Kashmir freedom struggle throughout his life. That is why Jamaat-e-Islami would support him if he becames the chief of APHC," JeI's Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir leader Ejaz Afzal Khan told reporters.
Khan said if divisions materialised in the Hurriyat, JeI will support the faction favouring Kashmir's accession to Pakistan.
Hizbul Mujahideen, widely known as the armed wing of JeI, said it will throw its weight behind Geelani, but maintained there will be no split in the Hurriyat.
Hizbul spokesman Saleem Hashimi was quoted as saying by the Daily Times newspaper that Gilani is their leader and his integrity is unquestionable.
"If Geelani becomes the chief of the Hurriyat, it would strengthen the Kashmir freedom movement and we would back him," he said.