G20 Tourism Summit to Begin in Srinagar Amid Tight Security

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar is all set to host the third G20 Tourism Working Group meeting on Monday under extremely tight security. It is the first major international event after Jammu and Kashmir’s special status was scrapped in 2019.

The event will witness the participation of G20 member countries, invited countries, international organizations, and industry stakeholders.

A three-tier security is in place for this three-day G20 Summit in Kashmir. Drones are being used for aerial surveillance. National Security Guard (NSG) and MARCOS commandos are deployed around the venue.  Jammu and Kashmir Police’s special operation group (SOG) are deployed at several places to prevent any terror incident.

Srinagar city is decorated to welcome delegates to this international summit that will boost the tourism and business sector in Kashmir. There are no restrictions on public movement in Srinagar. All shops and business establishments are open to welcome the G20 summit guests. Pakistan has, however, opposed the G20 Tourism Working Group conference in Kashmir. Rejecting Pakistan’s criticism, India 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.”

As of now, the G20 Working group meeting in Jammu and Kashmir will focus on five key priority areas: Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, MSMEs and Destination Management. The meeting aims to strengthen economic growth, preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainable development of the region.