The Associated Press
Monday, Oct. 23, 2000; 9:07 p.m. EDT

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan –– A guerrilla group that was ostracized by fellow militants after agreeing to a July cease-fire with India was returned to the fold on Monday.

The United Jehad Council, an organization representing 15 guerrilla groups battling Indian troops in Indian-ruled Kashmir province, reinstated Hezb-ul Mujahedeen at an emergency meeting. The council also allowed Hezb-ul Mujahedeen chief Syed Salahuddin to return as council chairman.

The Hezb-ul Mujahedeen's cease-fire with India collapsed after two weeks when India refused to accept Pakistan at the negotiating table for talks about Kashmir.

The militants demand that Kashmir, which was divided between India and Pakistan 53 years ago, be reunited and either be given independence or be allowed to join Islamic Pakistan. India's part of Kashmir is the Hindu country's only state dominated by Muslims.

Both Pakistan and India lay claim to a united Kashmir.