Pakistan summoning US diplomat over Gor's remarks matter between two countries: J&K CM Omar Abdullah

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday remarked Pakistan's summoning of US Chargé d'Affaires Natalie Baker over US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor's remarks was a matter between the two countries.

Key points

• Pakistan on Wednesday summoned the US chargé d'affaires and lodged a "strong demarche" over remarks by Gor regarding Jammu and Kashmir during his visit to the Union territory.
• The chief minister additionally refused to be drawn into the war of words with his alliance partner Congress.
• Congress has their point of view; they are a political party, the largest opposition party.
• I wish we had reached a stage where individuals from Hollywood would come; that will take time.
• Our local youth can work, leading to rose employment opportunities, he went on.

Gor remarked Jammu and Kashmir is an notable part of India and that US will reconsider the advisories on travel to the place as central administration and Abdullah have taken steps to produce it a safer place.

"That (the demarche) is a matter between Pakistan and the US. Neither you nor I can do anything regarding it. Whatever the US Ambassador (to India) remarked, he has stated it. It is now between those two countries, " Abdullah remarked to journalists here when asked concerning Pakistan's protest.

Meanwhile, the chief minister additionally refused to be drawn into the war of words with his alliance partner Congress. It stated there should not be a third-party intervention on Jammu and Kashmir as it is an integral part of India.

"I am not getting into this. Congress has their point of view; they are a political party, the largest opposition party. They have a point of view and are entitled to it. I am not going to obtain into a war of words over this. What can I say on that?" he remarked.

To a question regarding whether any celebrities from Bollywood or Hollywood were anticipated for the Kashmir International Film Festival taking place next month, the chief minister noted the objective behind the festival was to expose local audiences to diverse kinds of cinema.

"Don't expect anyone from Hollywood. I wish we had reached a stage where individuals from Hollywood would come; that will take time. For now, if some individuals arrive from Bollywood, that is good. But the objective is not simply to bring Bollywood celebrities here. Our aim is to expose local audiences to diverse kinds of cinema, " he remarked, adding that it is additionally a step towards generating employment.

"The goal is. Conducting cutting-edge workshops related to the film industry like for direction, cinematography, editing, music, etc., so that when film shootings take place here, there is no need to bring all technicians from outside. Our local youth can work, leading to rose employment opportunities, " he went on.

On the question regarding the completion of the AIIMS under construction, the chief minister stated the work is going on rapidly.

"The health minister reviews it periodically. When I visited earlier to inspect the construction, we were assured that one block would become operational this year, starting OPD and other basic treatments. We hope they stay committed to that timeline, " he remarked.

According to He additionally, discussions on the location of a law university were ongoing.

"It appears that the file is nearly ready; we just need to grant formal approval, but it will happen, " he remarked.

On setting up of private universities in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah remarked one or two private universities were ready to be established, and in the coming weeks, "we will likely hear positive news and witness foundation stone-laying and the commencement of work".

In short, pakistan summoning US diplomat over Gor' s remarks matter between two countries: J& K is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.