U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor’s remarks that Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is an important part of India have evoked mixed reactions from political parties in the Union Territory. Gor’s statement was made during his visit to J&K, which has been seen as a significant development by some, while others have downplayed its importance.
Former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti said that the U.S. should not be taken so seriously and that it was not the first such visit of the U.S. ambassador. Mufti added that she agrees with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that the issues of J&K will be resolved by New Delhi and not Washington. However, she also expressed that it was an occasion to express displeasure of the people of J&K over the killings of children and leadership of Iran.
J&K Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari termed Gor’s Kashmir remarks as highly significant, reflecting Washington’s acknowledgement of India’s position on J&K. Bukhari hoped that Gor’s remarks will also help raise awareness in India and strengthen the case for ensuring that J&K receives the rights, attention, and recognition it deserves as an equal and important part of the nation. Bukhari also stated that Gor’s indication that Washington could review its travel advisory for J&K reflected a recognition of the positive changes taking place on the ground in J&K.
On the other hand, CPI(M) legislator M.Y. Tarigami said he does not attach much significance to the visit, citing concerns over U.S. interference in India’s affairs. Tarigami mentioned that the peace in the entire world has a threat from imperialist America, and it’s evident to us what is happening in Palestine.
He also mentioned that tariff deals between India and the U.S. are lopsided and India’s move to purchase cheap oil from Russia is being interfered with. Congress legislator Tariq Hameed Karra said the U.S. ambassador said nothing new, as J&K was, is, and will remain an integral part of India. J&K BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur termed the U.S. ambassador’s stand as a major diplomatic achievement for India, reflecting the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy.
Thakur added that the world is increasingly recognizing the ground reality of J&K, and Pakistan’s propaganda stands exposed. Thakur also questioned those who once projected Kashmir to the world as a region of perpetual unrest, asking why a senior American diplomat can visit Srinagar, meet the elected Chief Minister, travel freely, and publicly acknowledge J&K as an important part of India. Meanwhile, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah commented on Pakistan’s decision to summon a U.S. diplomat following Gor’s remarks, saying it was a matter between Pakistan and the U.S. and he had nothing to say on that.
