SRINAGAR:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said he would discuss the Jammu and Kashmir situation and the broader regional developments with US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs Sergio Gor during his scheduled meeting in Srinagar, but made it clear that he would neither complain nor seek solutions to Jammu and Kashmir-related issues from Washington. Sergio Gor is set to arrive in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday for his maiden visit to the Union Territory and is scheduled to meet Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during his visit to Srinagar. Speaking to reporters ahead of the meeting, Omar Abdullah said that issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir ultimately have to be resolved by the Centre and not by the United States. He said he expected a meaningful interaction with the US envoy and indicated that he would prefer to listen to Gor while also sharing his views on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. “I would prefer to listen to him more, but he is also coming to listen. Let us see what kind of discussion takes place,” Omar said. The Chief Minister noted that the meeting was taking place after a long gap and said he was looking forward to the interaction. His remarks come amid increased attention surrounding the US envoy’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir, with the political situation in the Union Territory and wider regional developments expected to figure in the discussions. Earlier in the day, Omar Abdullah also conducted an early-morning tour of Srinagar, where he reviewed several ongoing developmental projects across the city. He said most of the projects inspected during the tour were progressing satisfactorily, although some required an additional push from the administration to ensure timely progress. Meanwhile, responding to allegations of corruption in government appointments raised by the BJP, Omar Abdullah said the police, Crime Branch and Anti-Corruption Bureau were not under his control. He maintained that if corruption had actually taken place, the matter should be investigated properly, a case registered and action taken against those found responsible. “If corruption has actually taken place, an investigation should be conducted, a case registered and action taken against those responsible,” he said. The Chief Minister’s comments on the US envoy’s visit, Jammu and Kashmir’s political situation, governance and corruption have come at a time when Sergio Gor’s first visit to the Union Territory is attracting significant political and public attention. The meeting between Omar Abdullah and the US envoy is expected to provide an opportunity for discussions on Jammu and Kashmir, regional developments and issues of mutual interest, while Omar’s remarks underline his position that matters concerning the Union Territory must ultimately be addressed through the appropriate channels within India.
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