Jammu/Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief
Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the US should stop looking
at the state only through the "prism of security" and should
identify ways for extending its expertise in capacity
building, environment projects and other areas.
"The US should stop looking at Jammu and Kashmir only
through a security prism and should have a look at normal
activities which includes helping in capacity building and
providing expertise in environmental projects," Omar said
after US Ambassador to India Timothy J Roemer called on him at
his residence.
During the hour-long meeting, the Chief Minister said
Jammu and Kashmir stands as the biggest beneficiary of the
better relations between India and Pakistan.
"We stand as the biggest beneficiary of good relations
between India and Pakistan and are worst sufferers in case of
a stand-off," he said.
Roemer, who arrived on a two-day
visit to the state, reiterated the statement of President
Barak Obama that the US was interested in better relations
between India and Pakistan and that Kashmir issue was a
bilateral matter between the two nations.
The two leaders also discussed the security situation
in the state before the Ambassador flew to Kashmir.
Political observers feel that his meeting with the
Chief Minister was a clear message to separatist leaders,
moderate as well as hardline, that the US will not support
any group indulging in violence.
Roemer will not be meeting leaders of any other
political party or their representatives including that of the
state`s main opposition PDP. He has confined his engagements
to meeting school children and non-political NGOs.
Upon his arrival in Srinagar, Roemer drove straight to
Hazratbal Shrine where he offered prayers before being given a
presentation by the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority.
Roemer later enjoyed a motor boat ride on the Dal
Lake.
He will be offering prayers at Shankaracharya temple
besides meeting youths of apolitical NGO "Yakhjah". He
will be meeting children of a school before flying out of
Kashmir on Friday evening, officials privy to the visit said.
US envoys to India have been visiting Jammu and
Kashmir during the peak of militancy in 1990s.
PTI
