The U.S. authorities included Pakistani Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) group in the list of terror organizations, according to a release issued by the U.S. Department of State on Wednesday.
“These designations seek to deny HM the resources it needs to carry out terrorist attacks. Among other consequences, all of HM’s property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked,” the release said.
In addition, U.S. citizens are now prohibited from conducting any transactions with the group.
Hizbul Mujahideen, which was formed in 1989, is one of the oldest militant groups operating in Kashmir.
In June, the U.S. imposed sanctions on the group’s emir Syed Salahuddin, drawing criticism from the Pakistani authorities.
“The designation of individuals supporting the Kashmiri right to self-determination as terrorists is completely unjustified,” the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
In July, the Pentagon halted $300 million in funding to Pakistan saying there was not enough evidence the country was taking sufficient actions to curb terrorism.