Srinagar, Aug 19 (JKNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir have to be resolved by New Delhi and not Washington, asserting that he would discuss the situation in J&K with the visiting US Ambassador but would not approach him with complaints against the Union Government.
Speaking to reporters after touring parts of Srinagar to review ongoing developmental works, as per news agency JKNS, CM Omar said the US Ambassador was visiting Jammu and Kashmir after a long time and that he would meet him later in the afternoon.
“I would prefer to listen to him. But he is also coming to listen to me. Let’s see what kind of conversation we will have,” Omar said.
Asked whether he would raise J&K’s issues with the US Ambassador, the Chief Minister said, “Our problems have nothing to do with him. It is not my habit to complain to an ambassador of another country. Washington should not solve our problems. Our central government should solve our problems.”
Omar said he would speak about Jammu and Kashmir and its situation during the meeting but would not seek intervention from a foreign government.
‘If There Is Corruption, Investigate It’
On allegations of corruption in appointments and protests against the government, Omar said his administration had no control over investigative agencies capable of probing such allegations.
“If we believe that what they are saying is right, we do not even have the power to hide it,” he said, adding that he does not control the police, Crime Branch or anti-corruption agencies.
He said that if there was evidence of corruption, the concerned agencies should investigate and register a case, instead of making what he termed “baseless allegations.”
Srinagar Waterlogging a Legacy Issue
On waterlogging in Srinagar, the Chief Minister said the problem was a “legacy issue” and was not created during the last two or five years.
He said colonies had come up without adequate drainage arrangements, and the government was now working retrospectively to create drainage infrastructure in such areas.
Omar said the administration had identified the “black spots” and the most vulnerable areas of Srinagar.
He added that during heavy rainfall warnings from the Meteorological Department, additional pumping arrangements would be made on an emergency basis, while long-term drainage projects were being undertaken by the Housing Department.
“As soon as we receive funding, we will arrange for drainage in these areas,” he said. (JKNS)
