On Wednesday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor’s visit to Jammu & Kashmir, emphasizing that the issues faced by the region are strictly domestic matters. He reiterated that foreign intervention, especially in regional governance, holds no place in resolving local problems.
“After a long time, a US Ambassador is visiting Jammu & Kashmir. We will speak with him. I would like to hear him,” Omar Abdullah stated, expressing his willingness to engage in dialogue. He highlighted the importance of maintaining territorial integrity, stating that external entities lack any jurisdiction over the affairs of Jammu & Kashmir.
“Our problems are not his concern. It is not my habit to complain about our issues to the ambassador of another country. Our problems will not be resolved by Washington but by our own government,” Abdullah asserted, setting clear boundaries for the discussion with Gor.
The Chief Minister also addressed lingering civic issues in the region, particularly the persistent waterlogging in Srinagar, which he attributed to long-standing infrastructural deficits. “Waterlogging in parts of Srinagar is a legacy issue. It’s not the creation of the last two years, not even the last five years,” he explained.
The CM questioned previous decision-makers who approved constructions without adequate drainage facilities, leading to ongoing problems. “Neither you nor I know who gave permission to build colonies without providing drainage. Now, retrospectively, we are creating drainage in these colonies. We have identified the problematic areas,” he added.
Highlighting proactive measures for citizen welfare, Abdullah assured residents that the current administration is responding to the needs of the people. “When we receive warnings from the Met Department, we arrange additional pumpage,” he said, detailing the government’s commitment to mitigating waterlogging issues.
As Jammu & Kashmir continues to navigate the complexities of governance, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s firm stance signals a clear message: local governance must remain autonomous. His remarks resonate with a broader sentiment among residents who seek tangible solutions from their elected officials rather than intervention from foreign diplomats.
