SRINAGAR: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah stated on Sunday that hosting the G20 event in Kashmir would not have any positive impact on tourism in the region until India and Pakistan engage in dialogue to determine the “future” of the Union Territory.
He also emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir was experiencing significant losses due to the absence of an elected government. Abdullah expressed his views to reporters, stating, “The question is whether we will benefit in terms of tourism arrivals from these countries? That cannot happen till the situation here does not improve, and the situation will not improve till the two big countries do not hold a dialogue on how to shape the future of this state.”
When asked if holding the G20 meeting in Srinagar would benefit the union territory, Abdullah responded, “We did. The roads which were in bad shape for many years were repaired. The walls got a fresh coat of paint. The street lights started working. So we did benefit from it.”
Regarding the lack of an elected government in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah highlighted the importance of democracy, saying, “Democracy is when there is an elected government. One LG and his advisor cannot look after the entire state. There are MLAs who look after their respective areas as it is their duty. The bureaucracy is not bothered about these things as they do not retire till the age of 60 years. An MLA has to go back to the people every five years. If he does not work, he won’t get the votes. Therefore, it is very important that elections should be held here.” He further expressed his party’s readiness for elections at any time.
In response to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s statement that certain parties in Kashmir had influenced past elections, Abdullah suggested that there were avenues to address such issues. He stated, “Don’t they have means to counter it? They can approach the high court or the election commission. Even Indira Gandhi was also ousted (by the High Court). There are avenues.”
