J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday (June 23, 2026) met Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor-headed Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs and called for sustained engagement in understanding the aspirations of the people of J&K. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha apprised the committee about “a remarkable transformation after August 2019”.

“I had a productive interaction with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, currently on a four-day study visit to Jammu and Kashmir. I exchanged views with the Committee members and highlighted the importance of sustained engagement in understanding the aspirations, challenges, and developmental priorities of the people of J&K,” said Mr. Abdullah, in a statement.

It comes days after Mr. Tharoor’s remarks on return of normalcy in J&K evoked sharp reactions both from ruling National Conference and the Congress leaders. 

Meanwhile Mr. Tharoor also met J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhavan in Srinagar for the second time since he arrived in J&K.

An official spokesman said Mr. Tharoor discussed the Committee’s engagements and meetings held during the visit with the LG.

The spokesman said the Lieutenant Governor, while interacting with the members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee, spoke on the socio-economic transformation and developmental journey of Jammu & Kashmir over the past six years. He highlighted the significant improvement in the overall security environment and the renewed optimism among the people, he added.

The spokesman said the Lieutenant Governor emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir has undergone “a remarkable transformation after August 2019, where normal life flows uninterrupted across the Union Territory, aspirations are soaring, and the dreams of its people are being realized”.

The Lieutenant Governor also spoke about various infrastructure and development projects being implemented across Union Territory, which are contributing to economic growth and improving the quality of life of the people of Jammu Kashmir, said the spokesman.