SRINAGAR, Nov 12: Kashmir freedom movement leaders have paid tribute to Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and termed his death a 'big loss' to the Muslim world. "He will always remain alive in the hearts of the people involved in freedom struggles around the world," said Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front Chairman Yasin Malik.

"His death is a big loss to the Muslim world," Mr Malik said in a statement. The JKLF, he said, appreciated Arafat's resolve "to fight Israeli occupation". The chief of the moderate faction of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, on Friday led special prayers for Arafat at occupied Kashmir's main mosque here.

Thousands present in the mosque prayed for Arafat's soul, witnesses said. "He will live in our hearts as a great friend of Muslims," said Mr Farooq in his sermon. -AFP