Srinagar, August 19: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reacted to the proposed visit of US Ambassador Sergio Gore to Kashmir. He stated that it is not his habit to complain to diplomats from other countries. He emphasized that the resolution of our issues lies not in Washington but with our central government.
Speaking to reporters, Abdullah remarked, “Our problems have no significant connection with the US Ambassador. Complaining to a diplomat from another country is not my habit. The solution to our issues is not in Washington, but with our central government.”
He further added that it would be wrong for him to complain about his own country to a foreign diplomat. “I will certainly discuss Jammu and Kashmir and our situation, but I will neither complain nor seek solutions from them,” he stated.
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Abdullah conducted an extensive tour of Srinagar. During this visit, he inspected ongoing development projects, reviewed public facilities, and assessed the progress of significant civic works aimed at improving urban infrastructure and public services.
While touring Srinagar, Abdullah noted, “Srinagar is the identity of Jammu and Kashmir. We are the only region in the country with two capitals—Srinagar in summer and Jammu in winter. Clearly, both cities require special attention. We began our inspection of key projects in Srinagar at 6:30 AM today. We reviewed around 10 to 12 projects throughout the city, from downtown to uptown. Most projects are progressing satisfactorily, though one or two require a bit more urgency, and we will focus on that.”
Abdullah mentioned that these tours provide an opportunity to compare what is reported in the assembly with the ground realities. He assured the residents of Srinagar that more projects will be undertaken to address significant issues, particularly concerning crowd and traffic management. He acknowledged the persistent parking problems in the area, promising a solution.
He stated, “The issue of waterlogging in some parts of Srinagar is longstanding. It did not arise in the last two or five years. You do not know where colonies were built, who granted permission, and how they were developed, nor do I. When these colonies were established, no drainage arrangements were made. Why was drainage not considered during development? Now we have to arrange drainage in these colonies, and we are doing so. However, this work will not happen overnight.”
Regarding the National Conference manifesto, Abdullah remarked, “Have five years passed? Because not even two years have been completed yet. I have said from day one that the National Conference manifesto is not for a day, a week, a month, or a year. It is a five-year roadmap. Ask me this question after five years, and I will respond in detail. But no one can claim that we have ignored our manifesto so far. Work has been done on every issue in some capacity, and we will complete the remaining tasks in the future.”
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