Suhail Khan
Srinagar, May 23: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his pride in India’s G20 presidency and responded to Pakistan’s accusations of ‘abusing’ the presidency with the Kashmir meet.
He said that the ‘G20 presidency is a matter of pride for us.’
Speaking at the opening session of the third tourism working group meeting of G20 countries held at Raj Bhawan, Sinha highlighted the presence of UN representatives as a sign of the international community’s support for India’s hosting of such events.
Sinha expressed his satisfaction with the current state of affairs in the region, stating that Kashmir is no longer characterized by frequent hartals, school closures, and separatist activities.
He credited the efforts of the security agencies, which have largely dismantled the “terror ecosystem” in the area.
Emphasizing the administration’s priorities over the past three years, Sinha highlighted their focus on peace, progress, prosperity, and the well-being of the people.
“One significant achievement has been the continuous operation of schools and colleges, enabling the youth to concentrate on building their careers,” he added.
Furthermore, Sinha pointed out the remarkable growth of grass-roots democracy, which has strengthened considerably.
He emphasized that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are now experiencing the benefits of genuine democracy for the first time in the past seventy years.
Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sinha acknowledged the importance of holding the third tourism working group meeting of G20 countries in Srinagar.
He expressed optimism that the event would have a positive impact on boosting tourism in the region.
Sinha also expressed hope that the presence of foreign representatives participating in the G-20 event in Srinagar would contribute to lifting the negative travel advisories imposed on Jammu and Kashmir by some countries.
“I am hopeful that the representatives of foreign countries that are part of the G-20 event in Srinagar will help lift the negative travel advisories imposed on J&K by some foreign countries,’’ he said.
“I am glad to see that the representatives of some foreign countries who have imposed travel advisory on J&K are also participating in the Srinagar event.”
