Islamabad and Srinagar:
On Wednesday Pakistan called in the US Chargé d’Affaires in Islamabad, Natalie Baker. They were not happy with what US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said about Jammu and Kashmir. Sergio Gor said Jammu and Kashmir is a part of India.
What Sergio Gor Said
Sergio Gor talked to reporters in Srinagar after meeting Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. He said Jammu and Kashmir is a beautiful place. He also said it is a part of India. Sergio Gor said the US will think again about its travel warnings for the region. This is because the central government and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have taken steps to make the region safer. Omar Abdullah said they talked about what the US can do to help Jammu and Kashmir. He said they will work on some issues over time.
Pakistan’s Response
Pakistans Foreign Ministry said Sergio Gors comments were wrong and irresponsible. They said his comments do not agree with what the US has said before about the Kashmir dispute. Pakistan strongly disagreed with Sergio Gors comments. They said Jammu and Kashmir is a region that has not been decided yet. The people of Kashmir should have a say in what happens to their region. Pakistan also said that Sergio Gors comments are not the same as what President Trump has said. President Trump has offered to help resolve the Kashmir dispute. Pakistan wants the US to be consistent in what they say.
India’s Position
India says Jammu and Kashmir is a part of India. This includes the part of Kashmir that Pakistan controls. India thinks that what happens in Jammu and Kashmir is Indias business.
Background
This was Sergio Gors visit to Jammu and Kashmir since he became Ambassador. There has been a lot of tension in the region for a time. Pakistan has complained to countries before about similar comments.
Note: This report is based on what Pakistans Foreign Ministry and US and Indian officials have said. This is a developing story, about diplomacy.
