On the second day of the G20 tourism working group meeting in Srinagar, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha highlighted that the once-thriving terror ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir has now been "isolated." He added that the Union Territory is now "entering a new era that has opened limitless possibilities of growth and peace". A total of 61 delegates from 29 nations are participating in the three-day G20 tourism working group meeting in Srinagar — the first major international event to be held in J&K since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. These are all the developments from day 2 as of yet: 👉🏻 “For almost 30 years, this land of peaceful co-existence of almost all religious sects had to suffer state-sponsored terrorism by our neighbouring country,” the LG said at the inaugural session of the third tourism working group meeting of G20 countries at Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC). He went on, "J&K is now open to a new era that is open to growth, peace and development. Today J&K stands as one of the developed states in the country" #WATCH | Srinagar: J&K has always been the center of knowledge, wisdom & breathtaking landscape. For 30 years this land of peacefulness had to suffer from state-sponsored terrorism by our neighbouring country. However, PM Modi brought development schemes that empowered the state.… pic.twitter.com/1ALP5l3cbI — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2023 👉🏻 Union Minister Jitendra Singh also addressed the working tourism meeting on Tuesday, saying "Srinagar has a wide range of craftsmanship. We have the highest railway bridge in the world here. India is ready to share global responsibility as far as our obligation towards the economy, environment & society is concerned. Youth are highly well-informed and they can see the enormous opportunities offered by the PM of India. The common man of Srinagar wants to be a part of the global journey led by PM Modi." #WATCH | Srinagar has a wide range of craftsmanship. We have the highest railway bridge in the world here. India is ready to share global responsibility as far as our obligation towards the economy, environment & society is concerned. Youth are highly well-informed and they can… pic.twitter.com/JNImEYh8aq — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2023 👉🏻 Further, the delegates are expected to hold multiple sessions at SKICC. During the day, the delegates will be taken to a few locations including Nishat Garden, Cheshma Shahi, Pari Mahal, Kashmir Arts Emporium and Polo View Market, reported ANI. 👉🏻Simon Wong, High Commissioner of Singapore, also spoke to reporters and added, "Singapore continues to be the biggest investor in India. Cumulatively we have $ 140 billion of investment in India which is growing day by day, and we are looking for new areas of investment and growth." Srinagar, J&K | Singapore continues to be the biggest investor in India. Cumulatively we have $ 140 billion of investment in India which is growing day by day, and we are looking for new areas of investment and growth: Simon Wong, High Commissioner of Singapore in India on 3rd… pic.twitter.com/kCcdT0l1II — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2023 👉🏻Meanwhile, North Kashmir's Bandipora district is leveraging the opportunity to promote its famous products to foreign delegates attending the summit. These products include black cumin (kala jeera) from Gurez Valley, organic rajma (kidney beans) from Tulail Valley and exquisite paper mache art pieces from the Sumbal subdivision. These offerings highlight the district's diverse and rich products. Developments from Monday: 👉🏽 Earlier in the morning on Monday, the delegates, who arrived in Srinagar on a chartered flight, were given a warm welcome at the airport. They were presented a Kashmiri pashmina shawl and a Dogri saffa, and then taken to the meeting venue, Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), amid tight security. The elaborate security apparatus includes reinforced CCTV surveillance, anti-drone system, deployment of the elite NSG and elite Marine Commandos and restrictions on civilian movement on key roads. 👉🏽 The G20 tourism working group meeting is a “a moment of rejuvenation and reincarnation” for Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister Jitendra Singh told foreign delegates, the international event commenced on Monday. Speaking to reporters later, G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said that “all G20 countries except China are participating in the working group meetings in Srinagar”. 👉🏽 Although Kant did not name any country other than China, The Indian Express has learnt that Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt – which was a special invitee – also chose to stay away from the event. 👉🏽 In an event on Sunday, Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti had accused the Centre of turning Kashmir into 'Guantanamo' and an 'open air' prison. (With agency inputs)
