Srinagar is going to have the G-20 Tourism Working Group meet from May 22-24 and this meet is supposed to be a game changer for the Kashmiris and the people living there. The meeting in Srinagar is going to be the first major meeting since August 2019 when the state of Jammu and Kashmir was divided into two Union Territories. Let us see how this summit can improve the lives of people who have faced and have been plagued by negative and insular political culture polluted by secessionism and bloodshed.
Kashmiris who have been living in a war-zone-type environment, are now getting conscious to make decisions and examine everything happening around them. It is important to note that the purpose of this article is to critically examine the potential of “engagement” as a means of discovering solutions to the larger issues at hand and to explore the possible outcomes, not to undermine or dismiss legitimate political grievances expressed by various parties.
Opportunities in Kashmir
India is the current host of the G-20 which comprises countries of huge wealth and power. Every city selected as a venue for G20 has the potential to be discovered according to the committee. This project aims to highlight India’s inherent diversity, embracing both geographical and cultural features. Additionally, it offers a chance to emphasise the nation’s dedication to market potential and ecotourism development. Notably, engaging India’s growing youth population, who had historically been denied opportunity for a variety of reasons, is the main objective here.
Srinagar in Kashmir is a compelling candidate for showcasing Indian Diversity. It is one of the best tourist destinations in South Asia and thus is very suitable as a G-20 summit location thus the main goal is to emphasise the tourism sector of the country. The Kashmir Valley has also seen a significant increase in various investments in recent months.
Notably, the Emaar enterprise, a business organisation based in the United Arab Emirates, has begun construction of a commercial tower in the city centre, creating a job market for the local youth. The management of the union territory also demonstrates its commitment to growth, as seen by visual evidence of numerous active activities in the city core and its near surrounds.
The handicraft sector in Kashmir is also improving. The exports are also growing. Kashmiri handicrafts are popular among Europeans. The summit is expected to pave the way for more countries and to call international interest to begin importing our handicrafts. In the future, various artisans may participate in a variety of international exhibitions which will definitely lead to the recovery of the industry after the Covid era.
Tourism stakeholders in the Valley are expecting that the upcoming G20 working group meeting in Srinagar will pave the way for European Union countries and the United States to remove Jammu and Kashmir-specific travel advisories, which will provide a huge boost to the tourist sector. Many international travellers, including those from nations with poor travel advice, are visiting Kashmir and feel it is perfectly safe. Kashmir horticulture, which has been heavily impacted in recent years by Iranian and Turkish imports, is also looking to the G20.
Interruptions in the Summit
Prior to the repeal of Article 370, the state of Jammu and Kashmir, which is now a Union Territory, had regular disruptions during national, bilateral, and international engagements. Previous peace processes yielded insignificant outcomes. Similarly, secessionists backed by Pakistan have been working hard to undermine the next G20 conference since May.
For more than two weeks, armed men acting on orders from across the border have posed a threat to regional peace in Poonch, Jammu division. Five army personnel were killed in the Poonch terrorist incident, with one terrorist dead and others being sought. Local sympathisers have also been apprehended by security officers. The People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), an evolved offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, has recently issued open threats, clearly naming the G20 summit as its next target. The event, according to the group, aims to show Kashmir as a normal territory, as opposed to their position that the territory should be treated as disputed, undermining India’s position.
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