Srinagar, (BuzzBytes): The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, led by its Chairman Dr. Shashi Tharoor, on Monday held separate meetings with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during its ongoing visit to Jammu and Kashmir, reviewing issues related to border management, security preparedness, development and governance in the Union Territory.
On the second day of its visit, the committee arrived in Srinagar after completing engagements in Jammu, including visits to border areas and the Regional Passport Office. The members also interacted with senior Army officers and defence personnel to gain first-hand insights into the prevailing security situation, border protection measures and the preparedness of the armed forces.
Speaking to reporters, committee member and Rajya Sabha MP Rajiv Shukla said the interaction with defence personnel was highly informative and focused on a range of security-related issues.
“Today, we had a very fruitful interaction with the Army officers and defence forces on how they are protecting our borders, the performance of the armed forces during Operation Sindoor, the major precautions they are taking and their preparations for the future,” Shukla said.
He said one of the important aspects discussed during the interaction was strengthening engagement with local communities and enhancing public confidence in security institutions.
“The most important aspect discussed was how to take local people into confidence and how to encourage bonhomie with them,” he added.
Later, the Parliamentary Committee called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan in Srinagar. During the meeting, Dr. Shashi Tharoor briefed the Lieutenant Governor about the committee’s engagements during its visit, including interactions with security agencies, border inspections and meetings with various stakeholders.
Members of the committee shared their observations and experiences from different locations they visited and discussed a range of issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir’s development, security and governance.
During the interaction, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha highlighted the socio-economic transformation witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir over the past six years. He emphasized the significant improvement in the overall security environment and the growing sense of optimism among the people.
The Lieutenant Governor said Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a remarkable transformation since August 2019, with normal life functioning uninterrupted across the Union Territory and developmental initiatives reaching every corner of the region.
He highlighted that the aspirations of the people are being fulfilled through sustained efforts in infrastructure development, economic growth, employment generation and improved public services.
The Lieutenant Governor also briefed the committee about several major infrastructure and development projects being implemented across Jammu and Kashmir, stating that these initiatives are contributing significantly towards improving connectivity, strengthening the economy and enhancing the quality of life of citizens.
The Parliamentary Committee later met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Dachigam National Park, where discussions focused on governance, development priorities and the challenges faced by border and remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
The committee members briefed the Chief Minister about the objectives of their visit and informed him about their interactions and observations during visits to various locations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Welcoming the members, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appreciated the committee’s visit and stressed the importance of regular engagement by Parliamentary Committees in understanding the ground realities, aspirations and developmental needs of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said such visits provide valuable opportunities for informed policy discussions and help strengthen institutional coordination between the Union Government and the Union Territory administration.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for balanced and inclusive development in border and remote regions, highlighting the importance of improved infrastructure, road connectivity, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, public services and livelihood opportunities for people living in these areas.
He observed that focused attention on border regions is essential not only for improving living standards but also for strengthening public confidence and ensuring equitable development across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee’s visit is part of its broader mandate to assess issues related to external affairs, border management, security preparedness and developmental challenges in strategically important regions of the country. The committee is expected to compile its observations and recommendations after completing its engagements in Jammu and Kashmir.
Parliamentary Panel on External Affairs Meets LG Manoj Sinha, CM Omar Abdullah During J&K Visit
