But earlier this month, the Indian government said it will launch a new round of "quiet diplomacy" with Kashmiri separatists.

VOA: standard.2009.10.28

The cleric's interpretation that stone-throwing is un-Islamic has earned him the wrath of other Kashmiri separatists and clerics.

VOA: standard.2009.04.08

Moderate separatist leaders have welcomed the initiative, but hardline Kashmiri leaders are unlikely to join the dialogue.

VOA: standard.2009.10.28

However, his spokesperson later clarified that the remark was about non-Kashmiri militants fighting in Kashmir.

BBC: Q&A: Kashmir dispute

However, Kashmiri separatists have denied any involvement and Pakistan has demanded a full investigation.

BBC: Sikh protestors

In America, he became the globally recognized face of the plight of Kashmiri people.

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