Jammu/Srinagar, Mar 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Thursday said the US should stop looking at Jammu and Kashmir 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 here.
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 here this morning on a two-day visit to the state, reiterated the statement of President Barack 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. The issues relating to the dialogue process and efforts for restoration of permanent peace and tranquility in the State were also discussed in the meeting.
Roemer will not be meeting leaders of any other political party or their representatives in the state. 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 visiting Shankaracharya temple besides meeting youths of apolitical NGO “Yakjah”. He will be meeting children of a school before flying out of Kashmir tomorrow evening, officials privy to the visit said.
A US embassy statement said the ambassador wanted to 'engage and listen to the people and connect with the youth of the state'.
“I want to engage with the people of Jammu and Kashmir just as I do with people everywhere else in India,” he said.
“The youth are the leaders of tomorrow who will shape the destiny of the state. I want to talk to them about their hopes and their aspirations for themselves and their community. I talk to people from all backgrounds and ethnic groups, to better understand the environment I work in and to better perform my job,” he added.
US envoys to India have been visiting Jammu and Kashmir during the peak of militancy in 1990s.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 IST