Musharraf supporters celebrate in Indian Kashmir

SRINAGAR: More than 200 moderate separatists, mostly supporters of the Hurriyat Conference, set off firecrackers as they marched in Srinagar on Sunday to celebrate Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's re-election.   

Over 200 supporters,  took to the streets of Srinagar, chanting "Long live Pakistan" and "Long live Musharraf." Police did not intervene.   

"We are happy at Musharraf's victory. He is a real friend of Kashmiris and wants to get the dispute resolved," said Iqbal Ahmed, an activist from the separatist Awami Action Committee.   

Musharraf won the vast majority of votes cast in Saturday's presidential poll after a boycott by nearly the entire opposition, but the result cannot be confirmed until the Supreme Court rules on the legality of the ballot.   

Moderate separatists have held several rounds of talks with both Musharraf and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over the future of Kashmir.  Hardline separatists who want to fold Indian Kashmir into Pakistan have however accused Musharraf of making too many concessions to India, including proposing self-rule for Kashmiris.