Ruhullah questions Omar’s meeting with US Envoy, takes dig at Advisor Wani

Srinagar, Aug 22: National Conference (NC) Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar Ruhullah Mehdi on Saturday questioned Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s meeting with US Ambassador Sergio Gor during the envoy’s recent visit to Srinagar, stating that the political and constitutional affairs of J&K were an internal matter. Reacting to Gor’s recent remarks describing Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India”, Mehdi said the region did not require validation from any foreign representative. “Who is part of what and who isn’t is our internal matter. Whether the situation here is good or bad is none of the US’ business,” Mehdi said while speaking to reporters here. Gor’s August 19 visit to Srinagar had drawn attention after he publicly referred to Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India. Mehdi also questioned whether the Chief Minister had raised the issue of violence in Palestine, Gaza and other parts of the region during his interaction with the US envoy. He said diplomatic engagements were the prerogative of the elected government, but such meetings should also reflect the concerns and sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Srinagar MP, who has been vocal about the restoration of constitutional rights of J&K, said his mandate was not limited to seeking restoration of statehood. “I received a mandate from the people to fight for restoration of their constitutional rights. I am asking the party to continue that fight,” he said. Mehdi also criticised sections of the NC leadership for, according to him, shifting the focus from Article 370 and constitutional safeguards to statehood and other administrative issues. He said the party needed to clearly articulate its position on the issues on which it had sought the people’s mandate. Responding to calls from some party leaders for his resignation, Mehdi said the party should follow due process if it believed he had violated its position. “If they believe I have violated the party line, they should issue a show-cause notice and ask me to explain,” he said. Mehdi also took a swipe at Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, cautioning him against intervening in what he described as larger political issues. He said political leaders should remain mindful of the positions they hold and avoid making statements that could unnecessarily widen differences within the party. “Nasir Aslam Wani should not interfere in big issues and should remain within his limits,” Mehdi said. Taking a further dig at the advisor, Mehdi said his own position was the result of the mandate he had received from the people, while suggesting that Wani’s position was based on the favour of someone else. “Where I am, I am because of the people, and where he is, he is because of someone’s favour,” he said. Mehdi said differences within the party should be addressed through dialogue, while maintaining that he would continue to raise issues on which he had sought a mandate from voters. He also cautioned the NC leadership against what he described as an attitude of arrogance, saying the party needed to reconnect with its political commitments and the expectations of the people.