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Srinagar: A senior commander of the pro-dialogue Dar group of Hizbul Mujahideen on July 23 announced his decision to give up gun and join politics for peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue.

"Today, I, with the support of hundreds of comrades, announce the initiation of a political struggle for the resolution of Kashmir issue," former Hizbul divisional commander Zafar Akbar told reporters at an unknown destination on the outskirts of the city.

Akbar, earlier known by the name Fahad Rafai and later Zafar Abu Fatah, heads the Hizbul faction loyal to slain commander Abdul Majid Dar operational in the state.

The announcement to renounce the gun came days after his faction in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) reportedly decided to merge with another militant outfit Hizb-e-Islami.

Asked if he had decided to float his own separatist party or join an existing one, akbar said, "We have not decided it yet. We will take a decision in this regard in near future. We respect the work done by all (separatist) parties and have friendly contacts with all of them."

He said the decision to renounce the gun culture was prompted by the latest peace initiatives between India and Pakistan and he would play a positive role in this direction.

"The governments of the two countries are coming closer. The hardline parties of the two nations are trying to come closer. Why should we be an impediment?" he asked.

However, Akbar said he would not appeal to the militants to lay their arms and join the political movement.

PTI