SRINAGAR: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Member of Parliament Dr Shashi Tharoor, continued its four-day study visit to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Tuesday, holding meetings with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar.
The 13-member committee is undertaking the visit to review strategic border security, foreign policy-related issues and developmental concerns in the frontier regions of the two Union Territories.
During its interaction with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhavan, the committee briefed him on its engagements during the visit. Dr. Tharoor informed that members had visited border areas in Jammu and the Regional Passport Office on Monday and had held detailed interactions with senior Army officials in Srinagar earlier in the day. Committee members also shared their observations and experiences from the visit.
Addressing the committee, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the socio-economic transformation and development of Jammu and Kashmir over the past six years. He spoke about improvements in the security situation and ongoing infrastructure and development projects across the Union Territory. He said these initiatives were contributing to economic growth and improving the quality of life of the people.
Later, the committee called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Dachigam National Park. The members briefed the Chief Minister on the objectives of the study tour and their engagements across Jammu and Kashmir.
Welcoming the delegation, Omar Abdullah said sustained engagement by Parliamentary Committees was important for understanding the aspirations, challenges and developmental needs of Jammu and Kashmir. He said such interactions contributed to informed policy discussions and strengthened governance and institutional coordination.
The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of balanced development in border areas, with emphasis on infrastructure, connectivity, public services and livelihood opportunities for local residents.
Members of the committee exchanged views with the Chief Minister on issues relating to border management, regional development and matters linked to India’s external affairs.
The Parliamentary panel began its study visit to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to gain first-hand insights into border management, security preparedness and developmental issues in frontier regions. The committee is scheduled to visit Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil and Leh during the tour.
According to officials, the panel is examining issues related to strategic border security, cross-border terrorism along the Line of Control and the International Border, recent developments in India’s bilateral relations, and the situation along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. The committee is also holding discussions with senior civil and military officials and interacting with residents in forward areas.
