<p>From the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) to the pro-Pakistan Syed Ali Geelani, all separatist groups criticised the US for taking into custody a man who they said espoused their cause.<br /><br />The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has charged Fai, who heads the Kashmir American Council, for pushing the Kashmiri issue in Washington with Pakistan funding for over a decade.<br /><br />Geelani, chairman of the breakaway Hurriyat group, called the arrest "a conspiracy by India to weaken the freedom struggle in Kashmir".<br /><br />Ideologically, Fai is said to be closer to Geelani's parent organisation, Jamaat-e-Islami.<br />Separatist leader Shabir Shah said he was surprised. "We always believed America respects the cause of Kashmir," he said.<br /><br />JKLF leader Bashir Ahmad Bhat said Fai "was peacefully highlighting the cause of the Kashmiri people. We hope he will be released soon".<br /><br />Fai, now an American citizen, was born in Wadwan village in Badgam district, 18 km from here.<br /><br />The mass of Srinagar's residents had a different view of Fai's arrest. Many had not even heard of him.<br /><br />Fruit seller Mehraj-ud-Din told IANS: "I have heard his name for the first time. He must be a big man."<br /><br />Said businessman Bashir Ahmad: "He must have been somebody very influential. What he did must be known to him and US government. My life remains the same, whether Fai is in jail or on bail."<br /><br />Even the educated class had heard little of Fai and his activities.<br /><br />Pouring contempt on intellectuals who write books or organise seminars, college teacher Muzaffar Ahmad said: "Our lives are threatened by turmoil and uncertainty." <br /><br />The Jammu and Kashmir Police said Fai had figured in their suspect list for a long time.<br />"We have enough material against him," Jammu and Kashmir director general of police Kuldeep Khoda told reporters.<br /><br />Many from Jammu and Kashmir have attended conferences organised by Fai in the US.</p>
<p>From the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) to the pro-Pakistan Syed Ali Geelani, all separatist groups criticised the US for taking into custody a man who they said espoused their cause.<br /><br />The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has charged Fai, who heads the Kashmir American Council, for pushing the Kashmiri issue in Washington with Pakistan funding for over a decade.<br /><br />Geelani, chairman of the breakaway Hurriyat group, called the arrest "a conspiracy by India to weaken the freedom struggle in Kashmir".<br /><br />Ideologically, Fai is said to be closer to Geelani's parent organisation, Jamaat-e-Islami.<br />Separatist leader Shabir Shah said he was surprised. "We always believed America respects the cause of Kashmir," he said.<br /><br />JKLF leader Bashir Ahmad Bhat said Fai "was peacefully highlighting the cause of the Kashmiri people. We hope he will be released soon".<br /><br />Fai, now an American citizen, was born in Wadwan village in Badgam district, 18 km from here.<br /><br />The mass of Srinagar's residents had a different view of Fai's arrest. Many had not even heard of him.<br /><br />Fruit seller Mehraj-ud-Din told IANS: "I have heard his name for the first time. He must be a big man."<br /><br />Said businessman Bashir Ahmad: "He must have been somebody very influential. What he did must be known to him and US government. My life remains the same, whether Fai is in jail or on bail."<br /><br />Even the educated class had heard little of Fai and his activities.<br /><br />Pouring contempt on intellectuals who write books or organise seminars, college teacher Muzaffar Ahmad said: "Our lives are threatened by turmoil and uncertainty." <br /><br />The Jammu and Kashmir Police said Fai had figured in their suspect list for a long time.<br />"We have enough material against him," Jammu and Kashmir director general of police Kuldeep Khoda told reporters.<br /><br />Many from Jammu and Kashmir have attended conferences organised by Fai in the US.</p>