Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah discusses key issues with Parliamentary panel led by Shashi Tharoor
Srinagar, June 24
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday met members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, currently on a four-day study visit to the Union Territory.
During the interaction, Abdullah exchanged views with committee members, including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, on a range of issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of sustained engagement to better understand the aspirations, challenges and developmental priorities of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is currently touring Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as head of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, on Tuesday, said the delegation's visit was progressing well and that its members would draw conclusions only after completing their tour of the Union Territory.
Addressing reporters, Tharoor said the 10-member delegation has so far visited only the Suchetgarh border in Jammu and reviewed the functioning of the passport office and Passport Seva Kendra.
"We are now heading to Srinagar, where we will have discussions with the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister. After that, we go to Kargil the day after tomorrow and Leh the following day. We will decide on what to write only after observing everything," he added.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs also visited Jammu on Monday as part of its ongoing engagements in the Union Territory.
Tharoor, who is leading the 10-member parliamentary panel, had reached Jammu on Sunday (June 21) evening. He took to X to post on the same day about his meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhavan in Srinagar.
On Monday, Tharoor also clarified that the visiting Parliamentary committee is focused on studying three matters, including Indo-Pak relations, Sino-Indian relations, and the functioning of passport offices and Passport Seva Kendras.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Tharoor sahab is one of the finest intellectuals in Indian politics. His committee visiting Suchetgarh border and discussing ground-level issues is exactly what we need. But honestly, I wish they'd also talk about local employment and tourism revival in Kashmir. Political discussions are important, but so is bread and butter for common people there. 🤔
Good to see Parliament's committee actually visiting the ground instead of sitting in Delhi and making assumptions. Tharoor's approach of 'we will decide after observing everything' is mature and practical. But I hope they also address the security concerns of Kashmiri pandits who still can't return to their homes. That's a humanitarian issue that needs urgent attention.
Honestly, I'm tired of these high-profile visits that end up in just reports gathering dust on shelves. What J&K really needs is consistent development and trust-building measures, not just a four-day tour. But credit where due - at least Tharoor and Omar are talking to each other across party lines. That's more than what we see in Parliament these days. 😕
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