G20 meet in Srinagar: Writing on the wall for Pakistan

Sheikh Khalid (Srinagar): The 3-day, G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, concluded on a positive note.

As many as 57 delegates from 27 countries participated in the maiden international event held in J&K after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.

The vicious propaganda launched by Pakistan to thwart the G20 meeting in Srinagar didn’t evoke any response from the participants. Barring China and Turkey, all other countries sent their representatives to attend the summit.

The participants were mesmerized by the beauty of Kashmir, its hospitality and its culture. Their visit to the summer capital of J&K was eventful. They promised to act as the brand ambassadors of J&K and return to the Valley with their families and friends.

The enthusiasm shown by the people of Kashmir to welcome the G20 delegates indicated the change which J&K has witnessed post-abrogation of Article 370.

It was for the first time since 1990, when the insurgency broke out in J&K, that the people of Kashmir didn’t pay any heed towards the strike calls that were issued by the militant handlers and their bosses sitting across the Line of Control (LoC).

As the delegates discussed various issues, life in Kashmir went off peacefully and it was business as usual. The stringent security measures ensured that the militants didn't indulge in any misadventure. The G20 meeting passed off without any disruptions.

Pertinently, ahead of the international summit in J&K, Pakistan ran a social media campaign against G20 and Y20 meetings in Srinagar. Some Canada-based political parties, Khalistani organizations, and a Srinagar-based separatist organization supported the campaign.

Before the meeting could commence, people received random calls from international numbers asking them to observe a shutdown and stage protests. Many Pakistani handles under fake names promoted anti-G20 propaganda against India.

But the people of Kashmir didn’t pay any heed and ensured that the international delegates returned with sweet memories.

The women G20 participants visited famous Mughal gardens and clicked pictures in complete Kashmiri attire, while the men played Golf at the Royal Springs Golf Course.

The delegates also visited the heritage Polo View market in the heart of Srinagar City and purchased many items as souvenirs from Kashmir.

The success of the G20 meeting in Kashmir is a sign of the rise of new and emerging Jammu Kashmir. The summit was a joyous occasion for the people of J&K. Their overwhelming response, participation, and achievements made it possible for the government to highlight J&K globally and project the Union Territory as an international tourist destination.

Pakistan needs to see the writing on the wall. It should understand that it can no longer mislead the people of Kashmir by selling a fake illusion of “Azadi” as the common man in Kashmir has rejected the idea of separatism and sedition.

J&K’s transition into a Union Territory and the abrogation of the so-called special status have proven to be a blessing for a common man. During the past three years, J&K has witnessed unprecedented development. Shutdowns, stone-pelting incidents, cross-firing incidents and grenade attacks have vanished.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led regime has brought J&K at par with the other parts of the country. The discrimination which common people faced for 70 years has ended. They have understood that they were misled by the leaders, who used to claim that they are the representatives of the people and that Article 370 is a shield, which protects their identities and rights.

The G20 participants praised PM Modi for taking a keen interest in the summit. The international media highlighted the efforts of New Delhi under PM Modi to rebuild Jammu and Kashmir.

The Tourism Working Group meeting of G20 countries in Srinagar turned out to be a mega event. It is a big diplomatic victory for India and a defeat for Pakistan.

By sending their representatives to Srinagar, G20 countries rejected Pakistan's propaganda and endorsed India’s stand vis-à-vis Jammu and Kashmir.

The world has given a clear message to Pakistan that it stands isolated and exposed. As of date, Pakistan is facing a civil war-like situation. The entire world is aware of the fact that it used terrorism as an instrument of its state policy and the militants groomed by it have turned their guns towards their masters.

J&K is blooming and shining. People have become equal stakeholders in peace and don’t want the era of uncertainty and chaos to return. They are happy earning their livelihoods and have endorsed the change with open hearts and minds. They are working hard to put J&K on the top of the list of international tourist destinations and the recently concluded G20 summit has set the ball rolling.