U.S. Envoy's J&K Remark: 'Integral Part of India' Evokes Mixed Reactions
U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor's description of Jammu and Kashmir as 'an important part of India' has elicited mixed reactions from political parties in the Union Territory. The remarks came during his visit to a Tata-Lockheed Martin manufacturing hub in the region, as India looks to procure 80 transport aircraft.
Former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti downplayed the significance of the visit. 'The U.S. should not be taken so seriously and not be India's master. It was not the first such visit of the U.S. ambassador. Before 2019, such an envoy would meet all the stakeholders in Kashmir. However, after 2019, such tours are curated,' she said. She added that she agrees with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that J&K's issues will be resolved by New Delhi and not Washington, but noted that the visit was an occasion to express displeasure over the killings of children and the leadership of Iran.
Ms. Mufti also criticised Mr. Abdullah for 'failing to raise the issue of terminations of employees, raids and the choking atmosphere prevalent in Kashmir'.
J&K Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari called Mr. Gor's remarks 'highly significant', saying they reflect Washington's acknowledgement of India's position on J&K. 'One hopes that Mr. Gor's remarks will also help raise awareness in our country 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,' he said. He also welcomed Mr. Gor's indication that the U.S. could review its travel advisory for J&K, viewing it as recognition of positive changes on the ground.
Communist Party of India (Marxist) legislator M.Y. Tarigami attached little significance to the visit. 'Indeed, the peace in the entire world has a threat from imperialist America. It’s evident to us what is happening in Palestine. Tariff deals between India and the U.S. are lopsided and India’s move to purchase cheap oil from Russia is being interfered with,' he said.
Congress legislator Tariq Hameed Karra said the U.S. ambassador said 'nothing new', asserting that 'J&K was, is and will remain an integral part of India'.
BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur termed the U.S. ambassador's stand 'a major diplomatic achievement for India'. 'The envoy’s acknowledgement of J&K as an important part of India reflects the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy. The world is increasingly recognising the ground reality of J&K, and Pakistan’s propaganda stands exposed,' he said. He also challenged those who once portrayed Kashmir as a region of perpetual unrest to explain why a senior American diplomat could visit Srinagar, meet the elected Chief Minister, travel freely and publicly acknowledge J&K as an important part of India. 'This is new J&K,' he added.
When asked about Pakistan's decision to summon a U.S. diplomat following Mr. Gor's remarks, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, 'That is a matter between Pakistan and the U.S. I don’t think I have anything to say on that.'
The visit and the reactions come against the backdrop of ongoing political and diplomatic discussions surrounding the Union Territory, which was reorganised in 2019. The differing responses highlight the continuing debate over the region's status and the role of external actors.
