Diplomacy – Parliamentary Panel Continues Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Review

Diplomacy – The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs continued its official visit across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, examining border-related matters and the functioning of passport services while engaging with senior administrative leaders in the region.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is leading the 10-member parliamentary delegation, said on Tuesday that the committee would reserve its final observations until the completion of its tour. According to him, the members are currently gathering information from different locations before preparing any formal recommendations or conclusions.

Committee Advances to Srinagar After Jammu Visit

The delegation has already completed its visit to the Suchetgarh border area in Jammu and reviewed operations at the Regional Passport Office and Passport Seva Kendra. Tharoor informed reporters that the next phase of the tour would take the panel to Srinagar, where meetings are scheduled with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Following those interactions, the committee is expected to travel to Kargil and later to Leh as part of its broader assessment across the Union Territory and Ladakh region.

Review of Passport Services Receives Attention

During the visit to passport service facilities in Jammu, committee members conducted detailed discussions with officials representing the passport department, police authorities, CID personnel and the postal department.

Tharoor noted that several concerns related to passport processing timelines were raised during the review. Delays involving police verification procedures and final issuance of passports were among the issues highlighted by committee members. Officials assured the panel that corrective measures and improvements would be undertaken to address the concerns.

Sharing his impressions after inspecting the facilities, the Congress leader remarked that overall operations appeared to be functioning efficiently, while acknowledging that certain procedural bottlenecks still required attention.

Visit Includes Local Interactions

Apart from official meetings, the delegation also visited a pharmacy that previously served as the medical clinic of Union Minister Jitendra Singh before his entry into national politics. Reflecting on the visit, Tharoor observed that such places offer a reminder that many elected representatives have professional careers and public service roles beyond political life.

Discussion on Regional Situation and Governance

Tharoor also met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha during the tour and discussed developments in Jammu and Kashmir. He described the conversation as constructive and pointed to what he called encouraging signs of progress toward normalcy in the region.

The parliamentarian noted that while several challenges remain, he came away from the discussion with a positive impression regarding ongoing efforts and outreach initiatives involving social and community organizations.

External Affairs Mandate Defines Committee’s Work

Addressing questions from the media, Tharoor clarified that the committee’s mandate is limited to matters falling within the scope of external affairs. He emphasized that the delegation is examining three specific subjects: India-Pakistan relations, India-China relations and the performance of passport offices and Passport Seva Kendras.

He stressed that the committee is not conducting an assessment of internal political or domestic issues in Jammu and Kashmir, as those subjects fall outside its designated responsibilities.

Appreciation for BSF Personnel

The committee chairperson also praised the contribution of Border Security Force personnel stationed along the international border. Tharoor said their dedication plays a crucial role in safeguarding the country and ensuring national security.

Recalling the delegation’s visit to border areas, he described the experience as insightful and said citizens should be encouraged to witness firsthand the responsibilities carried out by security forces in challenging conditions. According to him, understanding the work of border personnel helps people appreciate the sacrifices made in protecting the nation.