Pakistan-US Row Over J&K: Omar Abdullah Says, ‘It’s Between Them’, After Sergio Gor’s Remarks”

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reacted to the diplomatic tension between Pakistan and the United States following remarks by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah said the issue was now between Pakistan and the US and that there was little that either he or the people of Jammu and Kashmir could do about it.

J&K is an important part of India: Sergio Gor

Sergio Gor with Omar Abdullah during his first official visit to Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar Following the meeting, the US ambassador called Jammu and Kashmir “an important part of India”. He also appreciated the beauty of the region and said he was glad to visit the Union Territory for the first time.

Gor also talked about the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The central government and the Union Territory administration had taken measures to make the region more secure, he said. In this context, he said Washington could review its travel advisory on Jammu and Kashmir which could ease the way for American tourists to travel to the region.

Pakistan calls in US diplomat

Gor’s comments were soon met with a sharp reaction from Islamabad. Pakistan summoned the US charge d’affaires and lodged a formal diplomatic protest against the remarks of the ambassador.

Pakistan objected to the reference to Jammu and Kashmir as part of India, saying the territory remains disputed. Islamabad said the statement was contrary to the long-standing position of the U.S. on the Kashmir dispute and urged Washington to maintain what Pakistan considers a neutral position.

The sensitive matter of Kashmir has again come into focus with the diplomatic protest with the latest development involving Pakistan and the United States, and not a direct exchange between India and Pakistan.

Omar Abdullah Sidesteps Controversy

Omar Abdullah took a cautious stand on Pakistan’s decision to summon the US diplomat. He said the matter was between Pakistan and the U.S. and he could not influence the diplomatic exchange, neither he nor others in Jammu and Kashmir.

Abdullah said earlier that he would discuss matters concerning Jammu and Kashmir with Gor during the ambassador’s visit but that he would not approach a foreign diplomat with complaints on matters falling under the jurisdiction of the Indian government.