Raman Suri
The meeting of G20, which is an inter Governmental forum comprising of 19 countries and the European Union (EU), held in Kashmir between May 22 and 24, has opened up the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to the world. Until the abrogation of Article 370, the erstwhile state was virtually locked by a few ruling elites who in the name of tourism used to travel abroad, in the name of development carried out slow progress and in the name of peace showed some cosmetic measures but factually, had kept the people away from the kind of exposure that entire Kashmir saw in these three days.
Today separatists and their sympathisers are finished; instead of a chosen few travelling abroad, the world has come to Kashmir and is enjoying the hospitality and culture of this region; Jammu, Kashmir and even Ladakh are getting connected through rail, road and air in the most magnificent manner, which is going to open up this region to the world in such a manner that investors in the next few years will flood the UT and film makers will take this place to every nook and corner of the world.
Now that such a mega international event has been organised in Jammu and Kashmir, the Government must go a step ahead and ask the film makers to set up their studios here so that they can continue to shoot here round the year. Sixty-one delegates from twenty-nine nations have seen Kashmir so closely that they are going to take home with them the sweet memories of this heaven on earth, which in turn will boost our tourism and economy. Politically speaking, the G20 summit has thrown spotlight on Jammu and Kashmir, and the isolated nations like Pakistan, which had been raising a lot of hue and cry at every international forum, stand nailed now.
Assigned with the task of addressing major issues related to the global economy, such as international financial stability, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development, the G20 delegates are sure to play a significant role in shaping the global economic policies and fostering international cooperation with regard to Jammu and Kashmir.
The credit for successful conduct of the G20 Summit in Kashmir goes to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ji, who ensured that each and every wing of administration is dedicated to provide an exceptional and positive experience to the guests besides creating a warm and secure environment for them. The Jammu and Kashmir Police and all paramilitary forces as well as bureaucrats and executives too were on the job to make this visit memorable and safe for our valuable guests who taste the hospitality of Jammu and Kashmir.
On the momentous day of 1st December 2022, India assumed the presidency of G20, marking a crucial milestone for the nation and this conference, held recently at Kashmir, ceased all the apprehensions raised by Pakistan or even China.
A wise decision: India’s decision to hold the G20 meeting in Jammu and Kashmir demonstrated India’s commitment to inclusivity and integration of all regions into the global agenda. The region, long affected by political complexities, witnessed the convergence of global leaders, economists, and policymakers, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and exchange, which the world has witnessed and which has even opened up the eyes of the people of Kashmir who until now were made to dream of independence and in that process, get their children killed in violence. Hartals, stone pelting, raising of anti-India slogans, separatist movements, all that spoilt a whole generation and enabled politicians to prosper are now a passé.
Economic Opportunities and global recognition: This meeting has now opened up avenues for economic development and investment in the region. The spotlight on this beautiful and culturally rich part of India attracted attention from potential investors, leading to increased prospects for job creation, infrastructure development, and tourism promotion. By choosing Jammu and Kashmir as the venue, India has showcased its confidence in the region’s stability and security. The successful organization of such a significant international event boosted the global perception of Jammu and Kashmir as a safe and emerging destination for business and tourism.
Empowering Local Communities: The G20 meeting brought attention to the local communities in Jammu and Kashmir, providing a platform for their voices to be heard. The engagement of local businesses, artisans, and cultural representatives allowed for the promotion of local products, handicrafts, and traditions on the global stage. The G20 meeting in Jammu and Kashmir and India’s presidency is going to have far-reaching implications for the region and the world. The event has showcased the potential of Jammu and Kashmir, attracting economic opportunities, promoting local cultures, and fostering global recognition.
Impact on Separatists: This G20 meeting held in Jammu and Kashmir not only had implications for India’s global standing but also had a significant impact on various stakeholders within the region. This meeting has shown the world how stable and peaceful the region is and how much potential it holds for economic growth. This has undermined the narratives of separatist movements and those supporting or giving them a rope. By highlighting the region’s development and inclusivity, the event challenged the separatists’ claims and served as a testament to the Government’s efforts to restore peace and stability.
Global Perception and economic opportunities: Ever since India attained the presidency of G20 nations under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our nation has grabbed global attention and forced the international communities to focus on Jammu and Kashmir and its peaceful environment. This shift in perception has further marginalized the separatist movements, as their agendas of unrest and secession lost credibility in the eyes of the world. The meeting has also created avenues for economic development and investment in Jammu and Kashmir, which in turn will create employment opportunities and provide youth,who were earlier influenced by the separatist narrative,with ample opportunities.
Isolation of Pakistan’s Narrative: The G20 meeting in Jammu and Kashmir has established that it is an integral part of India and is completely normal and peaceful. The UT is good enough for investment, tourism and even holding conferences like never before. This has also highlighted India’s commitment to development and inclusive governance and has presented a contrast to Pakistan’s narrative, which often portrays Jammu and Kashmir as a disputed territory plagued by conflict. The event’s success further isolated Pakistan’s stance on the issue and weakened its claims in the international arena.
Diplomatic Setback: With the international community witnessing the region’s peace and stability, Pakistan’s efforts to internationalize the Kashmir issue has also faced a setback. The G20 meeting highlighted India’s ability to successfully manage its internal affairs and manage regional peace, diminishing Pakistan’s argument for external intervention.
Impact on Regional Political Parties: The G20 meeting in Jammu and Kashmir has also brought to light the potential economic benefits of the region’s integration with global community. Regional political parties like National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which in alliance with the Congress, used to exploit the sentiments of the people, gave rope to separatist movements, discriminated with Jammu as well as Ladakh region and indulged in corrupt practices besides used to threaten India with elections boycotts and in some cases even boycotted, stand exposed in front of their own supporters today.
These political parties, who had been protective of certain interests or advocated for separatist agendas, may reconsider their priorities in light of the economic opportunities and developmental prospects associated with the event. The successful organization of the G20 meeting in Jammu and Kashmir has provided a platform for the regional political parties to shift the focus of their discourse from separatism to economic development and inclusive governance, but only if they understand or else they will be left redundant.
These parties are required to adopt a constructive and pragmatic approach, leading to a potential transformation in the political landscape of the region. Their previous agendas and way of functioning has already caused a considerable damage to the Union Territory and if they do not mend their ways, they and their ideologies will soon become obsolete.
Conclusion: As Jammu and Kashmir continues on its path of economic growth and integration, it is essential to harness the momentum generated by the G20 meeting to foster peace, stability, and inclusive development in the region. The event serves as a reminder that dialogue, cooperation, and focus on economic prosperity can be key drivers for resolving complex political issues and nothing short of peace and people’s participation in developmental works through democratically-elected representatives to various institutions can write a new chapter in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. This will have a transformative impact on boosting J&K’s tourism and economic growth, fostering collaboration and innovations besides building an image and changing people’s perception.
(The writer is Bharatiya Janata Party J&K Executive Member)
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