Omar should have raised J&K people’s ‘concerns’ with US envoy: Mehbooba

Srinagar, Aug 20: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah should have used his meeting with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor to raise the “concerns” and “hardships” faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Mufti said she agreed with the Chief Minister that the issues of Jammu and Kashmir could not be resolved by Washington and that New Delhi would have to address them.
“I agree with Omar Sahib that the issues of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be resolved by America. New Delhi will have to resolve them,” she said, speaking with reporters here.
The PDP chief, however, questioned why the Chief Minister did not raise the “concerns” of people with the US envoy. “Issues such as security operations, arrests, termination of employees, raids and property attachments should be highlighted before the Centre,” she said.
The former Chief Minister also alleged that visits of foreign dignitaries to J&K had become “curated” after 2019, saying ambassadors earlier met people from different sections of society, including representatives of tourism, trade and travel.
“But after 2019, the tours of these foreign dignitaries are curated. They come, meet the Chief Minister, meet the Governor, go for a shikara ride and leave,” she said.
Mufti said there is no need to approach Washington to resolve J&K’s issues, but Omar should persuade New Delhi to address the genuine hardships being faced by people.
Referring to the tenure of her late father and former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Mehbooba said his government had pursued dialogue with different sections and Pakistan and had also facilitated the opening of cross-border routes.
She said CM Abdullah should also press the Centre for reopening the Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot trade routes, which remain suspended.
On the US envoy’s indication that Washington could review its travel advisory for J&K and increase economic engagement, the PDP chief said she welcomed such a move if it benefited the people and generated employment, particularly in horticulture and handicrafts.
She added that there is no need to take the US too seriously, arguing that American intervention had caused destruction in several parts of the world. (KNO)