China has voiced opposition to the G20 meeting taking place in Kashmir, and Saudi Arabia and Turkey have not registered for the Srinagar gathering.
On Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that “China firmly opposes holding G20 meetings in any form in ‘disputed’ areas and will not attend such meetings.”
As China opposes the G20 meeting in Kashmir, India responded to the criticism by asserting that it is free to conduct gatherings on its own soil. It asserted that regular relations with China depend on there being peace on its border.
In the midst of increased security in the area, the third G20 Tourism Working Group conference will be conducted from May 22–24 in Srinagar.
Since Jammu and Kashmir’s special status was revoked in 2019 and it was divided into two union territories, this is the first significant international event to take place there.
The summit in Srinagar is anticipated to draw about 60 G20 delegates. Earlier, it was anticipated that the meeting would draw more than 100 delegates.
According to sources, Saudi Arabia has not yet registered for the summit, and Turkey has chosen not to attend.
A hitherto unheard-of level of protection surrounds Srinagar. As part of the ground-to-air security cover, National Security Guards (NSG) and Marine commandos have been stationed in the area.
Marines also referred to as Marcos, are now in charge of maintaining security around the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), where the G20 meeting will take place, and Dal Lake. In conjunction with law enforcement and paramilitary groups, NSG commandos have been practicing area dominance. NSG conducted searches at Lal Chowk on Thursday.
Paramilitary soldiers were observed conducting searches inside the houseboats.
The wood used to construct houseboats, particularly cedar, is beautifully carved. They stand for Kashmir’s culture and long-standing traditions.
According to officials, the purpose of the G20 summit in Srinagar is to promote Kashmir’s tourism potential and to demonstrate to the outside world how important the region is to the nation.
India’s position is considered as being supported by the involvement of the world’s most influential club.
Security agencies have information that terrorists may attempt to carry out a significant attack in order to sabotage the G20 meeting. To foil any such effort, massive security activities are being carried out. The security network in the area is made up of the Army, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Jammu and Kashmir Police.
Also read: China withdraws from G20 Summit in Indian-occupied Kashmir
