Pakistan angry at US for adding Kashmir group to terror list

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s foreign ministry has expressed anger and disappointment over Washington’s move to designate a Kashmir militant group fighting to end India’s rule in its area as a terrorist organization.

The ministry’s spokesman, Nafees Zakaria, said on Thursday that Pakistan will continue to extend “political, diplomatic and moral support” to the Kashmiri people in their efforts aimed at self-determination.

Kashmir is divided between Pakistan and India and both claim it in its entirety.

Rebel groups in Indian-controlled section of Kashmir have been fighting since 1989 against India’s rule there.

On Wednesday, the Trump administration said it had designated the Hizbul Mujahideen group as a foreign terrorist organization. Hizbul Mujahideen is the largest of Kashmir’s militant groups. Its founder, Syed Salahuddin, was designated a terrorist by the United States in June.