Abdullah says Kashmir issues for India not US ahead of envoy meeting

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated on Wednesday that issues concerning the region must be resolved by India's central government, not by the United States, ahead of his scheduled meeting with U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor in Srinagar. Abdullah said he would not discuss the internal problems facing Jammu and Kashmir during the diplomatic engagement, emphasizing New Delhi's role in addressing local grievances.

"The solution to our problems will not come from Washington. Our problems have to be resolved by our Central Government," Abdullah said, as reported. He indicated his preference for a listening role during the meeting, stating, "I would prefer to listen more from him. He is also coming to hear us. Let us see what kind of discussion will take place."

The Chief Minister's comments come weeks after he sparked a political controversy by suggesting he might protest outside the White House to seek U.S. intervention for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. Opposition leaders had accused him of attempting to internationalize the issue at that time. Abdullah clarified that it would be inappropriate to complain about domestic matters to a foreign...