Even Wall Street journal for a change, positive on J&K tourism
The Wall Street Journal writes that though some parts of Jammu and Kashmir are struggling economically, the region overall is seeing a tourism revival since 2919. Well the parts that are struggling economically are those under illegal occupation of Pakistan and China ….namely areas of POK and Shakhsagam Valley.
After abrogating Article 370 of the Indian Constitution which was of temporary nature and was meant to be place only a few years, in 2019 the central government under NDA Government, took the initiative of creating the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and UT of Ladakh. This was approved by both the houses of Parliament.
Kashmir, on which a bankrupt Pakistan has been laying claims since 1947 is seeing a boom not only in tourism but industrial revival and rapid infrastructural development.
India aimed to show case its developmental activities and Kashmir’s stability, at a conference on tourism held under the auspices of the Group of 20 major economies, which India chaired this year on May 22-24.
New Delhi took this opportunity and conducted the events with delegates from more than two dozen countries including from middle East and Indonesia, that life was returning to normal in the region after years of conflict.
At the famous Dal Lake, the delegates were seen enjoying colourful boat rides in Shikaras. “Ended the day with a scenic shikara ride on the Dal Lake followed by a cultural performance and delicious wazwan dinner! Thank you@g20org@JandKTourism@srinagaradmin@tourismgoi for the impeccable arrangements!” tweeted Singapore in India.
The mega G20 tourism meet in Srinagar has clearly caught the attention of international media, with many of them highlighting the restoration of stability and normalcy in Kashmir.
During the G20 event, Singapore’s High Commissioner to India Simon Wong has praised the beauty of Kashmir and said that he is “very happy” to be in Srinagar.
Taking to his official Twitter handle, Simon Wong said, “Very happy to be in Srinagar. Pure beauty. Thank u so much for your warm welcome. HC Wong.”
The 2019 move to revoke the temporary Article 370 (giving a bit of autonomous status) pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir has helped stabilize the area’s economy, protecting it from terrorist and separatist groups and allowing the region to draw in more investment and migration. Even the G20 event was completed peacefully without any potential terrorist activity.
Jitendra Singh, a government minister and parliament member from the area, said at the G20 event that Kashmiris are ready to seize economic opportunities after years of terrorism. The separatists had been living off the land for decades but now have been totally marginalized.
“The common man has moved on,” he said at a news conference, adding, “He can see the enormous opportunities unfolded by Modi across the country, and he does not wish to miss the bus.”
Countries like Pakistan and China protested India’s decision to host the event in Kashmir. Pakistan, who isn’t even a member of the G20, condemned the move. Also China, which is sitting on forcibly captured Tibet and parts of UT of Ladakh including Shakshagam Valley and claims the Indian state of Arunachal. China also wants to forcibly capture tge Republic if Taiwan, a free country.
