Pakistani officials may be optimistic about the outcome of the US president’s visit and on improving ties with India, but for thousands of young followers of the Hizbul Mujahideen and the Lashkar-e-Toiba, the Clinton trip changes little in their jehad in Kashmir.
Javed Jabbar, advisor to Gen Pervez Musharraf on national affairs, waxed content on Clinton’s visit: "It’s a major breakthrough for us even though a number of forces were active to prevent his visit. Not only did he visit us, he also held frank and fruitful talks with the general". Asked whether Pakistan will do anything to use its influence over Kashmiri militant groups, he said: "We’ll take all steps possible but, for its part, India should stop its 7,00,000 soldiers in Kashmir from killing innocent people. As for us, we’re ready for talks. The ball is now in the Indian court."
A view Syed Salahuddin, supreme commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen, differs with. Calling Clinton’s visit a dismal failure, he said: "We didn’t start our struggle on the advice...
