JAMMU: Senior BJP leader Devender Singh Rana today described the hosting of the G20 event in the Valley later this month as a unique opportunity to put Jammu and Kashmir on the global tourism landscape that will eventually lead to economic fillip given the huge potential of nature, adventure and pilgrim tourism in the Union Territory.
“Those opposing such an event in Kashmir and parroting Pakistan are actually the enemies of the nation and welfare of the people of J&K across the country,” Rana said while addressing the Conveners and Co-Convenors of the BJP’s Trade, Industries, Transport, Cooperative, and Tourism Cells at the party headquarters here this afternoon.
He said that Jammu and Kashmir’s larger role in the country’s growth story is rattling some feudal entities, who do not want the people to prosper and progress. “They actually want the UT to remain in the cocoon of misery and tragedy to run their political enterprise and thrust themselves on the people. The track record of these political leaders stands as testimony to the underdevelopment of the then-state despite the flow of whopping funds from the Centre. Nepotism, corruption, and misgovernance took toll on J & K’s development. Now that the UT is treading on the path of peace, progress, and prosperity, they find their political space shrinking and hence indulge in rhetoric,” he added.
Referring to the slated G20 conclave at Srinagar, Devender Rana highlighted its importance by saying that the participating member countries represent 85 per cent of global GDP, over 75% of the global trade which in itself speaks of the high stakes involved in the meeting. “Assembling the representatives of two-thirds of the world population in the picturesque Valley is a matter of pride for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Those raising questions over hosting such an event in the Valley are not only suffering from the negativity syndrome but also insulting Kashmir’s hospitality which is known the world over.” He reiterated that such international events are destined to lay a very positive and healthy impact on trade and the economy in this part of the country.
He said that the outcome of the conclave will have a lasting impact on the trade, commerce, and industry across the country in general and Jammu and Kashmir in particular, which is the center of attention and attraction for global investment due to initiatives taken post-August 5, 2019, political developments. “Already some corporate houses of international repute have started their ventures and these will expand across the Union Territory within the stipulated time frame.”
The meeting discussed issues confronted by the trade and industry, tourism, transport, and cooperative sector in detail and suggested measures for addressing some critical points raised by the stakeholders from time to time.
