No references to the Mujahedin-e-Kashmir could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate. However, according to a background document on Jammu Kashmir published on the South Asia Terrorism Portal Website, the number of militant organizations in Kashmir had reached the "three figures" by 1992. According to a 1997 article on the Pakistani terrorist network directed at Kashmir, the deadliest Pakistani terrorists groups active in Jammu Kashmir are the Harkat-ul-Ansar (renamed Harkat-ul-Mujaheedin), the Lashkar-e-Toiba and the Hizbul Mujahideen. A 22 December 2000 article in the Ottawa Citizen states that the Hezb-ul Mujahedeen currently chairs the United Jihad Council, the umbrella group of militant factions.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Kashmir Information Network (KIN). 1997. "A Bird's Eye View of the Pakistani Terrorist Machinery." [Accessed 22 Dec. 2000]

Ottawa Citizen. 22 December 2000. "India Ewxtends Kashmir Ceasefire; Pakistan Withdawing More Troops From region." http://southham.com/ottawacitizen/newsnow/cpfs/world/001220/w122036.html [Accessed 22 Dec. 2000]

South Asia Terrorism Portal. 20 August 2000. "Jammu Kashmir: Backgrounder." http://www.icm-satp.com/index.htm [Accessed 22 Dec. 2000]

IRB databases

Extremist Groups: An International Compilation of Terrorist Organizations, Violent Political Groups, and Issue-Oriented Militant Movements. 1996.

REFWORLD

Internet sources including:

International Policy Institute on Counter Terrorism (ICT)

Jane's Terrorism Watch Report

Patterns of Global Terrorism. United States Department of State. 1997-1998-1999. South Asia

World News Connection (WNC)