Says US travel advisory may be reviewed amid improved security; calls Srinagar waterlogging a legacy issue, rejects “baseless” corruption allegations
Srinagar, Aug 19: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday made it clear that he would not seek intervention from the United States on issues concerning J&K, asserting that such matters must be addressed by New Delhi, even as US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor indicated that Washington may consider downgrading its travel advisory for the region.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Ambassador Gor at the SKICC in Srinagar, CM Omar said he did not raise J&K’s problems with the US envoy and maintained that it was not his practice to complain about domestic issues to a foreign diplomat.
“Our problems have to be resolved by New Delhi, not Washington. It is not my habit to complain to an ambassador of another country,” Omar said.
Omar said the nearly hour-long meeting was “very good” and focused on India-US relations, particularly the areas where the United States could contribute to Jammu and Kashmir.
“We had an opportunity to discuss the relations between our two countries, but with specific focus on what the US can do with Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
On the US travel advisory for J&K, the Chief Minister said Washington periodically reassesses its travel warnings and indicated that the existing advisory could be reviewed.
“The United States puts out travel warnings, and every so often we re-evaluate those travel warnings. I cannot make any big announcements here today, but it is something we’re going to look at,” he said.
Omar credited the Centre and the J&K administration with taking significant measures to improve the security environment, saying the progress could support a reassessment of the advisory.
“The Government here, we believe, have made some incredible steps to keeping this area safer and making it more safe, and so we will be looking at if the travel warning that is recommended by the United States is something that should be downgraded,” he said.
The Chief Minister also encouraged American tourists to visit Kashmir, highlighting its natural beauty and opportunities.
“I think a lot of Americans would enjoy coming here and seeing the beauty and opportunities that exist here,” Omar said.
The US Ambassador is also scheduled to meet Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and other officials during his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
