Srinagar, September 16, 2025: Sunil Sharma, the Leader of Opposition in Jammu and Kashmir’s Legislative Assembly, met with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today. The discussions focused on road connectivity, power and water supply, flood relief, and the postponement of examinations.

During this significant meeting held at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar, both leaders explored critical themes affecting the residents of Jammu and Kashmir, especially in light of recent natural calamities that have severely impacted the area.

Addressing Road Connectivity Challenges

Shri Sharma highlighted the dire need to improve road connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir. He explained how numerous villages remain isolated due to landslides and flooding, which hinders public access and hampers the delivery of essential services.

“The situation has created barriers for people needing to reach healthcare facilities and obtain essential goods. We must take immediate action to restore these vital links,” he stated.

Confronting Power and Water Supply Issues

Issues related to power supply and drinking water were also critically discussed. Sharma pointed out that regions profoundly affected by floods are experiencing severe electricity shortages and inconsistent water supply.

“This crisis is affecting daily life for the residents,” he reiterated, urging the government to restore services as a top priority.

Expanding Flood Relief Efforts

The conversation turned toward flood relief. Sharma expressed concerns regarding the current funds allocated for housing recovery efforts. He insisted that the existing financial support for families whose homes have been damaged is insufficient.

“We need an increase in the financial aid package so families can rebuild their homes and lives adequately,” he emphasized. Without such support, recovery could be long and arduous for many affected families.

Postponing Examinations for Fairness

As competitive examinations loom, Sharma raised the issue of aspirants struggling to prepare due to transportation disruptions and internet service outages caused by the floods. He pushed for the postponement of exams, including the JKPSC Lecturer recruitment and Munsiff examinations.

“Fairness in opportunities is crucial, especially for those aspiring to serve the public. Rescheduling the exams will allow students the chance to prepare adequately,” he commented.

The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, listened attentively to all concerns raised during the meeting. He assured Sharma that the administration would prioritize these matters and work toward timely solutions.

Sharma expressed gratitude for LG Sinha’s understanding. “It is my responsibility to voice the concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. I will continue to advocate on their behalf, ensuring each citizen’s voice is heard and appropriately addressed,” he declared.

This meeting signals a cooperative approach to addressing urgent challenges in Jammu and Kashmir, reassuring residents that their voices are being taken seriously at the highest levels of government. The issues of road connectivity, essential services like power and water supply, and education accessibility are critical as the region continues to navigate recovery from recent natural disasters.

Parliamentary Committee on Commerce delegation led by its Chairperson, Dola Sen, interacted with stakeholders in Pahalgam on Tuesday to review the challenges faced by the tourism sector in the aftermath of the terror attack in April earlier this year.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Sen, said the committee has been touring different parts of Jammu and Kashmir to assess the ground situation.

“We are here in Pahalgam today after meeting stakeholders in Srinagar yesterday, and tomorrow we will be in Leh to continue the discussions. Our primary objective is to understand the concerns of all stakeholders and prepare a comprehensive report that will be submitted to the concerned ministries and higher authorities of both the Union and the local government,” she said.

The Chairperson acknowledged the tragic loss of innocent lives in the recent incident, calling it an unfortunate event that has deeply saddened the nation. “While we share the grief of the victims’ families, we are also determined to ensure that such incidents do not permanently derail the growth of tourism and commerce in Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.

Sen said the committee is committed to acting as a catalyst for the revival of commerce and tourism in the region. “We have a duty and responsibility to stand with the people of Kashmir. That is why we are on the ground today—to see the reality for ourselves. Based on our observations, a time-bound policy will be framed to restore confidence among tourists and revive the economy as early as possible,” she added.

Reiterating the delegation’s solidarity with the people of the valley, the delegation chairperson assured that every effort is being made to bring back normalcy and encourage tourists to visit Kashmir. “We are optimistic and confident that with collective efforts, the negative impact on commerce and tourism can be overcome. We are people’s representatives, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in this difficult time,” she said.

The meeting in Pahalgam saw participation from local hoteliers, travel agents, traders, and representatives of the tourism industry, who highlighted the urgent need for confidence-building measures, improved infrastructure, and safety assurances to revive tourist inflow in the valley.

Member of Parliament and former Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar.

The Chief Minister praised Pathan’s achievements in cricket and acknowledged his contribution to the sport at the national level.

Omar Abdullah also wished him success in his parliamentary role and for future endeavours in public life.