Karachi, Apr 1: Syed Salahuddin, the chief of largest militant group in Kashmir Hizbul Mujhaddin, has warned the US against launching air strikes in Pakistan, and said that Mujahideen from the entire Muslim world will be heading to Pakistan for its defence

Terming the US missile attacks in Pakistan’s territory as a “gross violation” of the sovereignty of an independent state, he warned that if Pakistan was attacked there would be a strong reaction from the entire Muslim world.

“I want to make it clear that Hizbul Mujahideen is not in a position to help their Pakistani brethren in case of any foreign aggression, but I also want to make it clear that Mujahideen from the entire Muslim world will be heading to Pakistan for its defence,” The News quoted him as saying in an interview.

Reacting to CIA Director Michael Hayden’s recent statement threatening that the US would conduct strikes in Pakistan’s tribal areas, he termed it against the sovereignty of a nuclear state. Salahuddin also warned all countries to refrain from aggression against the people of Pakistan.

“I regard the CIA director’s words as irresponsible’ and warn that, if done, it will cost the US dearly. The allegations that Osama or al-Qaeda are in the tribal areas are baseless and without any proof,” he added.

Thanking the people of Karachi for their moral support and for backing Kashmir’s freedom struggle, he expressed the hope that they would continue backing the legitimate struggle for the liberation of the held valley.

“I often visit Karachi as the people of the city back the people of Kashmir in their struggle for the self-determination. I express my gratitude for their moral and financial cooperation. Kashmiris expect continuity in this support till the success of our cause,” he added. (ANI)