SRINAGAR: Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, Shashi Tharoor, on Monday said the committee’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir is strictly focused on issues related to India-Pakistan relations, Sino-Indian relations and the functioning of passport offices, ruling out any review of the prevailing situation in the Valley.
Speaking to reporters, Tharoor said the panel was not in Jammu and Kashmir to assess local conditions or domestic issues.
“I have just called on the Lieutenant Governor and have not had a chance to see other things and listen to other people’s voices. I want to make it very clear that this is not a visit about checking the conditions in Kashmir Valley,” he said.
“The committee is here to study three issues—India-Pakistan relations, Sino-Indian relations and the functioning of passport offices and passport services. These are the only three issues we are studying. We are not here to look at domestic issues and it is not our business. We are the External Affairs Committee,” Tharoor added.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs is tasked with examining issues related to India’s foreign policy, diplomatic engagement and matters concerning the Ministry of External Affairs.
The committee is currently on a visit to Jammu and Kashmir as part of its review of subjects linked to India’s relations with neighbouring countries and the delivery of passport-related services in the region. (KNO)
