Delegates from the G20 nations arrived in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Monday to participate in a tourism meeting condemned by China and Pakistan. While authorities substantially reduced the visibility of security in the capital city of the disputed region.
The G20 meeting scheduled for later Monday is the first significant international event to take place in Kashmir. Since New Delhi revoked the region’s semi-autonomy in 2019. The Indian government hopes that the meeting will demonstrate that the contested changes have brought “peace and prosperity” to the region.
Delegates will discuss such topics as sustainable tourism and destination management. In addition, side events concerning ecotourism and the role of films in promoting tourist destinations have been planned.
Srinagar, the region’s capital, appeared tranquil and the roadways were never as clean as they were on Monday. The majority of security checkpoints were eliminated or disguised with cubicle-like security posts made of G20 signage, behind which security personnel stood.
According to officials, hundreds of officers were specially trained in “invisible policing” for the occasion.
After a series of meetings between trade representatives and security officials, city-centre stores also opened earlier than usual. However, authorities closed numerous schools and the primary road leading to the convention centre to civilian traffic.
Monday’s security measures markedly contrasted with those imposed in the days preceding the event. On the shores of Dal Lake in Srinagar, an enormous security cordon was erected around the venue. With elite naval commandos patrolling in rubber boats. The city’s business district was spruced up with newly blacktopped roads leading to the lakeside convention centre and power poles illuminated in the colours of the Indian flag.