G20 tourism meeting: Srinagar bolsters security. Top ten highlights

Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar has witnessed an escalation in security measures as it prepares to host the upcoming third G20 Tourism Working Group meeting, scheduled to commence on Monday.

The three-day working group meeting is set to take place in the city from May 22 to May 24. Here are ten key highlights of the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar:

1. Aerial surveillance and drone monitoring have been incorporated, while the National Security Guard (NSG) and MARCOS commandos have been deployed in the vicinity.

2. To ensure the prevention of any potential terror incidents, the Jammu and Kashmir Police's special operation group (SOG) will provide security cover at various locations.

3. The ongoing G20 Working Group meeting in Jammu and Kashmir has identified five primary areas of focus: Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), and Destination Management.

4. The G20 Tourism Working Group meeting holds significant importance as it marks the first major international event taking place in Jammu and Kashmir since the revocation of its special status in 2019. 

5. The G20 Tourism Working Group meeting is set to witness the active participation of various key stakeholders. These include representatives from the G20 member countries, as well as invited countries, international organizations, and industry stakeholders from the tourism sector.

6. Due to security and logistical concerns, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has excluded Gulmarg from the itinerary. Additionally, stringent security measures have been implemented across other areas of the Valley to prevent any potential attempts by militants to disturb law and order.

7. In an advisory issued by the traffic police on Saturday, civilian movement has been restricted on the main road leading to SKICC for a duration of three days. Moreover, all schools in Srinagar will be closed from Monday to Wednesday.

8. As a preventive step, security agencies have advised members of the minority community and workers from outside to remain indoors. Concerns have been raised that the extensive security arrangements may make them potential targets for militants, prompting authorities to urge caution.

9. A minimum of 60 foreign delegates are expected to partake in the meeting, although not all G20 member countries will be present. Notably, Singapore will have the most significant representation among the attending member countries, with its High Commissioner Simon Wong leading the delegation.

10. China has decided to boycott the planned meeting which is likely to be derived from the objections of Pakistan, its close ally, which claimed that the G20 meetings are aimed at perpetuating India's “illegal occupation" of Jammu and Kashmir.

(With inputs from agencies)