G20 summit to begin in J-K’s Srinagar today amid tight security

Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, is poised to host the third G20 Tourism Working Group meeting on Monday; all preparations have been made, and security has been increased, as this is the first significant international event since Jammu and Kashmir’s special status was revoked in 2019.

For this three-day G20 Summit, from May 22-24, Kashmir is under a three-tier security grid for aerial surveillance drone monitoring National Security Guard (NSG) and MARCOS commandos are being deployed around the venue Jammu and Kashmir Police’s special operation group (SOG) will be deployed at several locations to provide security cover to prevent any terror incident.

The walls and roads of Srinagar are decorated to welcome delegates. The people of Kashmir are also eager to welcome the G20 summit meetings, which will boost the tourism and business sectors in the region.

While there will be no restrictions on public movement, all shops and business establishments in Srinagar will be open to welcome the G20 summit guests. People from various sectors welcome the delegates and believe that the G20 summit meeting will boost the development of Jammu and Kashmir in all fields, as well as the tourism sector on an international level, which will boost the Union Territory’s economy.

Time and again Pakistan has shown strong discontent at New Delhi’s intention to convene the G20 Tourism Working Group conference in Kashmir.

Rejecting Pakistan’s criticism, India had said G20 meetings are being organized in the entire country and hence it is “natural” to hold meetings in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as “these are inalienable parts of India.”

Pakistan recently slammed India’s decision to host a G20 meeting in Srinagar and parts of Kashmir as an “irresponsible move”.

“G20 meetings are being organized in entire India, in all cities and parts of India. It is therefore natural to hold the meetings in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh because these are inalienable parts of India,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Official Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said during the MEA Weekly Media Briefing.

“That is what I would like to say. The meetings are being held in all parts of India, that is our natural response,” the MEA official spokesperson said.

The G20 Working Group meeting in Jammu and Kashmir will currently focus on five key priority areas: Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, MSMEs, and Destination Management. The meeting aims to boost economic growth, preserve cultural heritage, and promote the region’s long-term development.

G20 member countries, invited countries, international organisations, and industry stakeholders will all be present at the event.

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