Syed Salahudeen, the chief commander of Hizbul-Mujaheddin, one of the most dreaded Kashmiri extremist groups, has threatened to target what he said are agents of Indian and Israeli secret agencies visiting Kashmir Valley -- an area of famed natural beauty -- in the guise of tourists.

Salahudeen, who also heads the United Jihad Council, an umbrella body of Pakistan-based militant groups, said that Hizbul-Mujaheddin would not use military force to disrupt the forthcoming Assembly elections in the disputed Muslim-majority valley, to which both India and Pakistan lay claim.

"We're not against promoting tourism or genuine holidaymakers from India and outside it visiting Kashmir, but we will not tolerate agents of Indian as well as Israeli secret agencies who come to Kashmir in the guise of tourists," he told Kashmir News Service, a local news agency, in an interview.

"If genuine tourists turn to Kashmir, it is our responsibility and moral obligation to welcome them as our honored guests. We must play good hosts, as we are neither against tourism nor tourists. But we reserve our right to act if Indian and Israeli agents come to harm our movement," Salahudeen said.