Parliamentary panel on external affairs to reach Ladakh for study visit on May 16

Visit assumes significance in view of ongoing India-China face-off on LAC

Jammu: Amid the ongoing standoff between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, a Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs of Lok Sabha will be visiting the Union Territory of Ladakh for a four-day-long study visit starting from May 16.
In this context, the UT administration of Ladakh has geared up its workforce for the conduct of hassle-free and smooth visit of the parliamentarians. The visit assumed significance against the backdrop of volatile LAC with a high probability of frequent skirmishes in Ladakh.
Despite maintaining communication through military and diplomatic channels to resolve the outstanding issues, no de-escalation has taken place between two nations in Ladakh. Both India and China continue to deploy troops in the vicinity of the LAC and have created adequate infrastructure for a prolonged standoff.
Headed by P.P. Chaudhary, the Committee is scheduled to visit different parts of Ladakh and likely to have an interaction with various stakeholders in the Union Territory.
Sources said that the parliamentary committee is expected to be briefed about the security situation and dynamics in the region by senior officers in the UT administration and defence forces.
According to an order issued by the Ladakh UT administration, the Divisional Commissioner, Ladakh Saugat Biswas has been appointed as the overall coordinator for conduct of smooth and hassle-free visit of the Committee. He will be responsible for liaison with the Ministry of External Affairs and Lok Sabha Secretariat for the visit.
The Ministry of External Affairs/ Regional Passport Office (RPO) Srinagar/Leh have been designated as the Nodal organization by the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
For a foolproof visit of the Committee, Additional Director General of Police, Ladakh would ensure proper security arrangement at all venues and deployment of security with the delegates as per their security categories. “A nodal officer would be deputed for coordination with the Police Department,” the order said.
Updated On 5/13/2022 1:28:41 PM