Muslim militant organizations based in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have waged an armed struggle for 15 years for an independent Kashmir.

The group, which advocates the establishment of an independent Kashmir through peaceful means, recently split into moderate and hard-line factions.

Since it is such a flashpoint, will Pakistan accept an independent Kashmir?

Later, the police fired tear gas and shots in the air to disperse protesters, who had begun chanting, "We want an independent Kashmir."

In 1989, young rebels in the valley, believing that an independent Kashmir was the answer to their problems, began a separatist struggle against India.

General Musharraf hinted at allowing the Kashmiris to choose a third option - an independent Kashmir - as a possible solution.

Abdullah along with Mirza Afzal Beg and 22 others, who were accused of conspiracy against the state in the for allegedly espousing the cause of an independent Kashmir.

"Our stand has always been for an undivided, independent Kashmir," he said.

Maulvi Farooq was a moderate who had peacefully campaigned for an independent Kashmir, an option opposed by both India and Pakistan.

At least 14 people were killed, raising the day's death toll to 47 in violence stemming from a Muslim insurgency for an independent Kashmir.