Hizbul Mujahideen on Wednesday rejected as 'paperwork' the decision of India and Pakistan to reopen bilateral dialogue saying it will not stop the 14-year insurgency.
"Tuesday's development is nothing but paperwork," said the outfit's chief Syed Salahuddin. "We have seen dozens of such announcements and agreements in the past but unfortunately India never honoured a single one."
"It seems India wants to gain time, during which it would... employ every possible resource to crush the freedom struggle in the occupied territory," he said.
Salahuddin said India must accept that Kashmir is a disputed region, then consult Kashmiris on the settlement of its status.
"When India accepts the disputed status of Kashmir, stops (alleged) killings and atrocities, release all detainees and reduces the number of troops in Kashmir to pre-1988 positions with a view to resolving the issue in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiris, only then will there be no justification for us to keep guns in our hands," the rebel chief said.
"Unless that happens, guns cannot be laid down by mere signing of a piece of paper (by Indian and Pakistani leaders). The freedom struggle will continue at the same pace," he said.