Srinagar: Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, currently on a four-day study visit to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, on Tuesday called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhavan, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Dachigam National Park here.
During the interaction, Dr. Shashi Tharoor discussed the Committee’s engagements and meetings held during the visit. He informed that the members had visited border areas in Jammu and the Regional Passport Office yesterday and, today they held detailed interactions with senior Army officials in Srinagar. The members of the Committee also shared their observations and experiences during the visit and discussed various issues.
The LG, while interacting with the members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee, spoke on the socio-economic transformation and developmental journey of Jammu Kashmir over the past six years. He highlighted the significant improvement in the overall security environment and the renewed optimism among the people, an official press release informed.
It said the LG emphasized that Jammu Kashmir has undergone a “remarkable transformation after August 2019”, where normal life flows uninterrupted across the Union Territory, aspirations are soaring, and the dreams of its people are being realized.
The LG also spoke about various infrastructure and development projects being implemented across Union Territory, which are contributing to economic growth and improving the quality of life of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
The parliamentary committee also met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and exchanged views on matters relating to border management, regional development and issues of national importance connected with India’s external affairs.
The committee, chaired by Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor, briefed the chief minister about the objectives of its visit and its engagements across J&K. The 13-member committee is undertaking the study tour to review strategic border security, foreign policy-related issues and the overall situation in frontier regions.
The committee, which had earlier visited Jammu, arrived in Srinagar on Tuesday as part of its programme to gain first-hand insights into border management, security preparedness and developmental issues in border areas.
Welcoming the members, chief minister Abdullah appreciated the committee’s visit to the region and underscored the importance of sustained engagement by parliamentary committees in understanding the aspirations, challenges and developmental needs of J&K, an official spokesman said.
The chief minister said such interactions provide an opportunity for informed policy discussions and contribute to strengthening governance and institutional coordination.
Abdullah also highlighted the significance of ensuring balanced development in border areas, with a focus on improving infrastructure, connectivity, public services and livelihood opportunities for the people living in these regions.
Parliamentary panel briefed on border security measures, Op Sindoor performance
Security officials on Tuesday briefed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs about the steps taken to protect the country’s borders following the success of Operation Sindoor last year.
“Today, we had a very fruitful interaction with the army officers, security officers and defence forces on how they protect our borders and about the performance of our forces during Operation Sindoor,” committee member Rajiv Shukla told reporters here.
He said the committee was also briefed about the major precautions and preparations for the future and the lessons learned.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by MP Shashi Tharoor, began a four-day study visit to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on June 22 to review strategic border security and foreign policy issues.
The committee will also visit Kargil and Leh on Wednesday and Thursday to gain first-hand insights into border management and the security situation in frontier areas.
The panel is examining recent developments in India’s bilateral relations, the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and threats posed by cross-border terrorism along the Line of Control and the international border.
It is also focusing on India-China relations and the situation along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh.
Tharoor on Monday drew ire of Congress leaders for making remarks about “encouraging progress towards normalcy” in Jammu and Kashmir after a meeting with LG Manoj Sinha.
He clarified, however, that the panel is in the UT not to evaluate conditions in the Valley, and its focus is limited to matters related to foreign affairs, including India-Pakistan and Sino-Indian relations and passport services.
Shukla also said on Tuesday that the purpose of this parliamentary tour is the issue of the country’s relations with Pakistan.
“What must we do on the Pakistan border and what steps should we take going forward to strengthen our security? The army officers briefed us on this and their future requirements and how the work is being done here to give confidence to the local population,” he said.
On the peace deal between Iran and the United States, the Congress MP said India was suffering economically due to conflict.
“We were suffering losses, the whole world was suffering losses because of this ongoing conflict. So the sooner this gets resolved, the sooner peace is restored, the better it is for us and for everyone,” he added.
Shukla said India wants peace to be restored as soon as possible.
“The Strait of Hormuz opening up will benefit us. With the Strait open, around 300-400 of our ships used to come, but right now very few are able to come. If it opens, our energy crisis will end,” he said. (PTI)
