Opinion | Shattering the Stigma: A Kashmiri Youth’s Belief in a New Narrative for His Homeland at G20 Summit.

As I sit down to write this piece,  I felt strongly that just three years ago not many people could have even thought that Jammu and Kashmir would host the G-20 international  summit. However, the time has changed and has changed for the good. All this is taking place at a time when the people of Pakistan occupied kashmir (POJK)  are facing near-starvation circumstances and we Indian Kashmiris are progressing at a fast pace.  The message is very simple.Entire Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the Union of India. There is no argument.

The  Government’s decision to hold a meeting in Kashmir in the year when India is holding the presidency of world’s major and systematically leading economies of the world, Its members represent 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade . The decision by the government of India is a grand geostrategic move, as among all other reasons, the choice of the place has a different resonance than other cities hosting the events. And, this is not all about the beauty of the city of Dal Lake and Mughal Gardens watched by Zabarvan hills. It is the geo-political importance that it holds, which Delhi knows, and so does the rest of the world, which will matter the most.
All eyes are focused on New Delhi, which by displaying  a  more assertive and independent role in international affairs and foreign policy-matters, has transformed and made India’s diplomatic approach more proactive. Many feel that due to ongoing militancy in Kashmir, holding the G20 summit here is not advisable. However, the flip side is that holding this meet here will dispel many myths and fallacies being peddled by our neighbouring country . At the moment, there are plenty of positives- the people are looking forward to the international event with hope and promise. They want to show all the good  images of Kashmir that the world had not gathered about it over the decades, especially since 1990, when the armed militancy peaked and made  Srinagar a city of expanding graveyards and almost daily funerals because of the men and women killed by bombs and bullets. Kashmir was censured as a no-go zone by several foreign countries, including the US, UK, Germany, and France –  which are now leading lights of G20.
Since the top Government officials and leaders of powerful and stable countries will gather in Jammu and Kashmir for the G-20 meeting, the people’s confidence in the democratic system of India will increase further. And the dirty image of India created by our neighbouring  country and its backed lobby in the world through propaganda about J&K will be shattered like a house of sand. With this, the message will go loud and clear to the world that the valley of Kashmir, once known for its bad name, is hosting its first International Summit with the world’s top leaders. Apart from this, Our neighbouring  country and its lobbies will not be able to run any propaganda in UNSC or at any other platforms regarding Kashmir.
This is a manifestation of the economic urge among the people of J&K , for they know that a successful G 20 international summit would bring them economic benefits. The economic benefits won’t only be measured by arrival of more tourists like Kashmir saw the highest record of tourists visiting in 2022, but a stable destination for investments which would work two ways – the local kashmiri youth will get training in different professions enabling them to compete internationally, and the global talent reaching them. This, in a way, is a hidden urge to place Srinagar city, by extension Kashmir, as a place as high and vibrant as the top cities of the world like – Shanghai and Dubai, which stand on their own by way of their economy and investment destinations. The beauty of this event will be that it will enable global leaders to have first-hand information and personal feel about Kashmir. No wonder , China has been supporting Islamabad’s stand and even they approached Saudi Arabia and Turkey to thwart India’s move . However, their objection to the G20 summit being held in Kashmir has no legal or even moral standing and as such is a non-issue for the international community !
Economic benefits for Kashmir
Last year Jammu and Kashmir summer capital  Srinagar was listed among the Creative cities across the world by UNESCO, which is playing a vital role in bringing more investment and benefiting thousands of artists associated with handicrafts . At the same time Jammu kashmir administration is busy giving a new look to the city. Srinagaris being converted into a smart city and the work is going at a fast pace. Most of the work is likely to finish before May 2023. The project, which has a budget of about $360 million, has $244 million allotted for the line departments. These departments are working in convergence with Smart City Limited on various projects. Smart City Limited on its own has a budget of around $100 million.
Thriving tourism
Kashmir is a tourist haven witheco-tourism  and adventure tourism being brought to the forefront with the likes of skiing and the iconic shikara, the houseboat that depicts the blend of luxury and rich heritage Kashmir offers. J&K is a tourist favourite for its scenic splendour, snow capped mountains, exquisite  monuments and hospitable people.   The message that lies with the G20 international  summit being scheduled in Kashmir is clear — presenting Kashmir as a truly transformed, exotic valley, with its rich culture and heritage, to the world.  As the  top diplomats of the G-20 countries take stock of the situation here, then the insecurity in a common man will also end. And its effect will be seen in the form of an increase in the number of tourists.Since kashmir is known for its picture -postcard scenery,  hence if tourism increases, many Kashmiris will get employment, which will improve their household economy. And when Kashmiri youth will be engaged in the job then the situation will be normal soon because it will be difficult for peace disruptors to mull Kashmiri youth for anti activities .
Agriculture
The  Agriculture is the mainstay of jammu kashmir . International delegates will get a first hand opportunity to view the tremendous potential of agriculture (millets, apples), horticulture (saffron) and floriculture that Kashmir offers. These crops also hold potential for high-value addition to the local economy since they garner high international demand. Kashmir’s premier trade body Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) said  that the G20 event in Jammu and Kashmir will give a massive boost to the economy of the region.
CONCLUSION
With India having the presidency of G20 , it is a great opportunity for Jammu and kashmir UT  to rise to the occasion of exhibiting and showcasing kashmir – its cultural assets,   ecotourism ventures,  Business to the world powers.
As rightly mentioned by JK Policy Institute, The G-20 summit in Srinagar  which will have discussions , would represent the most formal geopolitical devastating blow for all those Pakistan backed  who are going on every platform to speak venom against India . It is pertinent to mention here that the European Union, which formerly referred to J&K as the world’s biggest internment camp”, is also a partner of the G-20.

– The writer is a Research Scholar and is working on peace initiatives in Kashmir. He writes on Polity, Governance, Art and craft. He can be reached at  darjaveed305@gmail.com