Srinagar: The much-anticipated third G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar kicked off Monday amid a heavy security blanket, with intelligence agencies, the armed forces and the police on high alert to counter any terror threat.
All G20 delegates have been accorded the highest security cover, including bulletproof vehicles, jammers and ambulances in tow. Over 150 participants have come for the event.
While China, along with Turkey and Saudi Arabia, have not registered for the summit, several tour operators from the two middle eastern countries are in the city to attend it. Egypt, also an invitee, has not sent any representative.
This is the first international event in Jammu and Kashmir, after the central government scrapped its special status in August 2019.
While there was a working group meeting Monday, the main event is scheduled for Wednesday.
As part of security arrangements, India has also deployed the elite MARCOS Commando Force of the Indian Navy, along with National Security Guards. The Central Armed Police Forces, including those from the CRPF and the BSF, have been deployed in large numbers.
Besides the above, the agencies have also deployed Rashtriya Rifles unit and the Para SF of the Indian Army in ridges around the venue and where the delegates are staying.
Sources in the security establishment said that over the last few weeks, agencies have tracked possible mischief makers and rounded up some of them. The sources also said they were confident of thwarting any major attack.
“While Pakistan has protested against the holding of the G20 meet here in Srinagar, it is unlikely to sanction any direct hit because it knows that it cannot afford. However, the worry is terrorists doing a low-key attack on their own,” one source said.
Several police check posts have come up in the city and almost every bunker has been covered with a G20 hoarding.
Traffic on the Boulevard Road, alongside the Dal Lake, has been heavily regulated, especially the sections leading to the venue of the meet. Even government vehicles sans valid G20 stickers were barred from entering the venue. The hotel where delegates have been put up has been completely cordoned off.
The entry and exit points to the Srinagar airport have also been heavily restricted, causing trouble to tourists.
City spruced up for G20 delegates
The G20 delegates were given a red carpet welcome at the Srinagar airport Monday.
Addressing a media briefing Monday, G20 Chief Coordinator Harsh Vardhan Shringla said the G20 summit in Srinagar has received the highest number of participants when compared to the two earlier meetings on tourism.
Several parts of the city that will host the G20 delegates have received a major facelift as well as the roads leading to Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Center or SKICC, where the event is being held.
Under the Srinagar Smart City initiative, new footpaths have also been laid out, while city roads received a fresh coat of tar.
The Jhelum riverfront was renovated with new footpaths and street lights while selfie points have been installed for tourists. Similarly, Srinagar’s main shopping area – Poloview – has been given a complete facelift.
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