Mapusa, Aug. 20 -- Former Union Minister MJ Akbar on Thursday welcomed US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor's statement that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is "an important part of India", calling the remarks "most welcome" and "perhaps long overdue."

Speaking to ANI, Akbar said he hoped Gor's remarks would reflect a broader shift in US policy towards the region and called for the same position to be reiterated by the US Ambassador in Pakistan.

Akbar said, "Sergio Gor's statement on the status of Jammu and Kashmir is most welcome and perhaps long overdue. I hope this is not another exercise in giving India President Trump's crumbs while the main meal is being served elsewhere."

"If the American ambassador in Islamabad repeats it...