CM Omar links US tariff reduction to India’s Russia Oil stance, criticizes media’s Pak cricket ‘war’ coverage
Jammu, Feb 3: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday addressed the removal of US tariffs, linking it to India’s oil import policies, while also commenting on the media’s coverage of India-Pakistan cricket matches.
Speaking on the tariff issue, Abdullah stated, “This tariff was very heavy for us. We know very well why the tariff was imposed. The US President was not happy that we were buying oil from Russia.”
He stated the sequence of recent developments, saying, “The government of India has not issued a formal statement yet. But the US President has announced that the Indian government has stopped buying oil from Russia. And because of that, tariffs will no longer be applicable to us.”
CM Omar said, “If we have stopped buying oil from Russia, it is a good thing. On the contrary, where will we buy oil from? Will buying oil from them increase the price of petrol and diesel? We will have to wait for that,” CM Omar said.
He added, “But by reducing tariffs, our exports will benefit. This is a good step because many of our exporters were facing a lot of difficulties. Some of them thought that they would have to stop working. Now that the tariffs have been reduced, it is hoped that their business will start again.”
In a separate segment of his remarks, CM Omar also criticized the sensationalization of sports, specifically India-Pakistan cricket matches. “I have always said that when we combine sports and politics, this is what happens. We have stopped making a difference in sports and politics,” he said.
He further commented on media coverage, stating, “When there is a match between India and Pakistan, you present it as a war. You never cover it like a normal match. When we play against other countries, you don’t take notice of it. When we play against Pakistan, it is presented in a big way.” (KNS)
