India has heightened security in Srinagar as it plans to host the G20 tourism working group’s meeting, scheduled from Monday to Wednesday. This is the first international event held in Jammu and Kashmir after India abrogated the region’s special status in 2019.
As a part of its three-tier security system, the National Security Guard and the army have deployed aerial anti-drone technology. In addition, the marine commandos’ team and local police are securing Dal Lake, which is close to the event venue. The Central Reserve Police Force has also led mock exercises in the Dal Lake since Friday.
The Border Security Force and Sashastra Seema Bal will be deployed to ensure ground-level security.
Terrorist Threat
The heightened security measures come amid intel reports suggesting that terrorists are planning an attack in the region. Intelligence sources have raised the alarm about a prospective school attack during the visit.
#WATCH | J&K: A joint mock drill was conducted by CRPF's Water Wing and Quick Action Team (QAT) ahead of the G20 meeting in Srinagar. pic.twitter.com/CtiPSWjMC1
— ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2023
Another source cited by India Today said that the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI was conspiring to orchestrate a 26/11-type attack in Gulmarg.
Meanwhile, there has been a rise in violence in Jammu and Kashmir in the run-up to the meeting. As a result, the delegates have been restricted to Srinagar.
Against this backdrop, the region’s administration changed the itinerary of the G20 delegate’s visit in a last-minute decision. Instead of visiting the Dachigam National Park, they will visit Polo View Market and Mughal Gardens.
The Wire said that the change in decision raises questions about the “security situation” during the meet, even as India seeks to display a sense of “normalcy” in Jammu and Kashmir.
60 Countries to Attend Meet
Under its presidency, India is hosting the tourism working group meeting at Sheri Kashmir International Convention Centre near the Dal Lake, which will be attended by 180 representatives from 60 countries.
Just landed in beautiful Srinagar for the #G20Kashmir 3rd Working Group Meeting on Tourism. Looking forward to discovering the wonderful sustainable tourism destinations and experiences in J&K! HC Wong@g20org @JandKTourism @incredibleindia @srinagaradmin pic.twitter.com/2P8KiZmV2I
— Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) May 22, 2023
According to India’s Tourism Secretary, Aravind Singh, the meeting aims to “highlight the tourism potential and cultural richness” of Jammu and Kashmir. In addition, quoted by Hindustan Times, he said that the discussions would seek to achieve a “ministerial declaration” that will provide a roadmap for the tourism ministers’ meeting to be held in Goa in June.
To this end, he said, “In that context, the meeting here assumes significance because the draft, which will be adopted by ministers, will be finalised in Srinagar.”
China, Turkey Boycott Meet
Amid the controversies surrounding the location of the meeting, China and Turkey have not registered their delegates to participate in the discussion. This appears to be consistent with China’s position to support Pakistan’s claim over Kashmir, and Turkey’s past criticism of India’s handling of the dispute.
#WATCH | Delegates arriving in Srinagar for the 3rd G20 Tourism Working Group meeting, receive a warm welcome at the airport.
— ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2023
(Video: J&K Department of Information and Public Relations) pic.twitter.com/xouQyQYqmE
Confirming reports of Beijing’s absence from the meeting, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Friday, “China is firmly opposed to holding any kind of G20 meetings in disputed territory, and will not attend such meetings.”
Saudi Arabia has yet to confirm its participation.
Amid these reports, Pakistani state-owned Associated Press of Pakistan said that the absence of “key members” is a sign of “embarrassment” for the Indian government.
In a similar vein, Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Sunday that New Delhi could not “suppress the voices of the people of occupied Kashmir” by hosting the meeting in the disputed area.
Nevertheless, Indian Tourism Secretary Singh said that the Srinagar discussions would have the “highest numbers,” comparing it to the previous tourism working group meetings. He added that the “encouraging attendance” has caused India to make “full proof and adequate arrangements.”
In the past, India has reiterated its right to hold G20 meetings on its territory.