Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. Abdullah reaffirmed that regional governance matters strictly pertain to domestic affairs, asserting that external influence holds no place in local governance.
“After a long time, a US Ambassador is visiting Jammu & Kashmir. We will speak with him. I would like to hear him,” Abdullah stated, highlighting the significance of the high-profile diplomatic interaction.
Abdullah set strict parameters for his conversations, making it clear that the issues residents face remain the responsibility of local authorities. “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,” he said.
The Chief Minister turned his attention to pressing local issues, particularly the ongoing problem of waterlogging in Srinagar. He acknowledged that this has been a long-standing challenge and stated that the current administration is working to address historical gaps in the city’s civic infrastructure.
“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. Neither you nor I know who gave permission to build colonies without providing drainage,” Abdullah explained. He assured the public that the government has identified problem areas and is taking proactive measures to mitigate the effects of potential flooding, especially when the Met Department issues weather warnings.
The Chief Minister notified citizens that additional pumpage has been arranged in advance of predicted rains, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to proactive governance. Abdullah’s focus on addressing local problems while asserting the autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir from external influence reflects a confident approach towards both regional and diplomatic engagements.
