‘People Anticipate Boost in Employment Opportunities with G-20 Summit’
Suhail Khan
Srinagar : Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, is gearing up to host the inaugural international summit of the G-20, marking a significant moment for the region since the division of the state into two union territories in 2019.
The summit is expected to bring about numerous employment opportunities for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who are eagerly anticipating the event.
This landmark occasion, which follows the revocation of the state’s special status under Article 370 of the Constitution, will be the first major international gathering in the region.
A group of youth from Bandipora district in North Kashmir expressed optimism that the international summit will enhance employment opportunities in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The individuals praised the LG-led government’s efforts in restoring peace and believe that this initiative will lead to long-term benefits and significantly improve their lives.
They said with the efforts of the LG-led government, not only things get better, but it has drastically reduced the violence-related incidents, which is a big achievement.
“Innocent lives were saved, which in the past used to be victims of law and order situations,” they added.
They said that entrepreneurship among young people has grown, reducing dependence on government and creating alternative livelihoods through businesses, according to reports.
The upcoming international summit is expected to further encourage these youths and help them overcome past frustrations.
Sajad Ahmad, a businessman in Srinagar, said that it’s the right time, as things are absolutely right in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, to hold this international G-20 summit, which will help different industries in the valley.
“We possess adequate resources locally, yet insufficient global support has put us at a disadvantage,” he said.
Sajad further said that collaborating at an international level will yield productive outcomes and transform the situation for underdeveloped Kashmir.
“Additionally, this summit will create essential opportunities for the region’s youth.”
Sajad Ahmad said that it’s really happy news for the whole of UT that an international summit will be held in our state.
Feroz Ahmad, a resident of Baramulla said that through this international conference, the lives of Kashmir youth may change forever.
“A new beginning is likely on the cards where at least everyone will have a good standard of living,” he said.
He further added that the local businesses will be boosted and will be recognised at an international level, which overall will help Kashmir’s economy.
Feroz believed that the tourism industry would get a big boost because this industry is considered the backbone of Kashmir, and once this industry is recognised, job opportunities will be generated on a larger scale.
Ghulam Nabi, an elderly man in Sopore said that this international summit itself is an example of the peaceful environment in which it is being held.
He said that with this summit, Kashmir will have the opportunity to expand its trade and investment relationships with other countries, opening up new opportunities for economic growth.
“G-20 summit will provide a platform for Kashmir to work with other countries to address common challenges and find solutions to global issues such as climate change, poverty, and inequality, as well as improve the living standards of the people of Kashmir,” he added.
Local resident Mohammad Touseef of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district expressed his optimism towards the upcoming summit in Kashmir, stating that it holds promise for the better future of the region’s youth.
According to Touseef, the summit presents an opportunity for Kashmir’s tourism industry to receive international recognition and attract global tourists.
While acknowledging the hardships faced by the people of Kashmir, Touseef emphasized that the summit provides a ray of hope for a new beginning.
He firmly believes that the upcoming summit will pave the way for new opportunities, particularly for the youth, addressing a longstanding concern in the UT.
Touseef Raina, Baramulla Municipal Council President, expressed his pride regarding the G-20 summit, stating to this correspondent that it presents an opportunity for positive changes on the ground which can contribute to economic growth in the UT and benefit individuals.
He noted that the summit could promote tourism in Kashmir, elevating the region to a premier destination.
The G-20 summit presents an opportunity to promote Kashmir’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique handicrafts, potentially attracting more tourists to the region. The event could also facilitate partnerships and collaborations between Kashmiri handicraft producers and international buyers, leading to a surge in demand for these products and providing a much-needed economic boost. In sum, the summit has the potential to significantly enhance tourism and handicrafts in Kashmir, generating greater attention, investment, and revitalization of the local economy.
While talking to correspondent, a police official said that the increased security measures are a response to a string of encounters with militants that have resulted in the elimination of five individuals.
The official stated that additional personnel have been deployed on the ground to enhance security, and aerial surveillance is being conducted with the use of drones.
“In addition, sniffer dogs are being utilized to assist security forces in checking vehicles at various checkpoints, with the goal of preventing the movement of militants or hazardous materials,” he added.
Pertinently, the third G20 tourism working group meeting under India’s presidency will be held in the Kashmir Valley between May 22 and 24.
Courtesy Kashmir Digest