India's decision to host the G20 conference in Srinagar, despite concerns, is viewed as inappropriate and insensitive to the human suffering in the region. Critics argue that it violates human rights and UN Resolutions regarding IIOJK.

India's controversial decision to host the G20 conference in Srinagar has faced widespread global criticism. The G20, consisting of 19 countries and the EU, focuses on key global economic issues such as financial stability, climate change, and sustainable development. By violating United Nations (UN) resolutions on Kashmir, India's actions have brought its questionable behavior into the spotlight, revealing a different side of the country within the G20 community.
The region of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has been enduring a prolonged period of brutality for several decades. The situation in Kashmir was further destabilized when the Indian government revoked Article 370 and 35A in 2019. Since then, the region has experienced protests, violence, and human rights concerns. In light of all this, India’s decision to host the G20 conference, which promotes economic cooperation and global stability, in Srinagar seems inappropriate and even insensitive to the human suffering in the area. It is rather an open violation of human rights and UN Resolutions.
Pakistan has strongly condemned the decision to host the G20 conference in Srinagar as it is a violation of international law and the United Nations Resolutions on Kashmir. Holding such a high-profile international event in a region facing human rights violations and a long-standing conflict is insensitive and undermines the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiri people for self-determination, and hampers efforts to address the human rights concerns in the region.
The population of Kashmir has also opposed the hosting of the G20 conference in Srinagar for several reasons. Firstly, they view it as a legitimization of Indian control over the region. The Kashmiri people have long been advocating for their right to self-determination and view the hosting of such a significant international event as a disregard for their aspirations and ongoing human rights violations. Additionally, they fear that the presence of a large international gathering could lead to increased militarization and restrictions on their freedom of movement and expression. They argue that the conference diverts attention from the core issue of resolving the Kashmir dispute and fails to address the grievances and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The Indian government's decision to limit foreign delegates and keep the conference “low-key” hints at their acknowledgment of the precariousness of their decision. However, it does not negate that the choice of venue disregards ground realities, human rights concerns, and heightened tensions in IIOJK.
Concerning the G20 Conference and the May 9, 2023 incident scenario, different representatives from AJK shared their thoughts. Chaudhry Latif Akbar, Speaker National Assembly of AJK, said, “In my opinion, India's decision to host the G20 Conference in Srinagar will only fuel the fire and undermine the peace and stability that the G20 symbolizes. Conflict, human rights concerns, and political turmoil already mar the region. Srinagar is not an appropriate venue for an event promoting cooperation and stability. How can India do so when it has evil plans for us? We, Kashmiris, condemn it by all means. It's akin to sprinkling salt on our wounds.”

India's decision to host the G20 conference in Srinagar will only fuel the fire and undermine the peace and stability that G20 symbolizes. Conflict, human rights concerns, and political turmoil already mar the region. Srinagar is not an appropriate venue for an event promoting cooperation and stability.

Talking about May 9's incident, he added, “We will never forget the black day of May 9 when a group of people destroyed our national belongings and cultural heritage. I feel proud to say that there wasn’t even a single individual who had done something wrong as we love our Pakistan Army. They are our companions of thick and thin. If we live here comfortably, with freedom and peace of mind and soul, it's only because of Pakistan Army, otherwise, our condition would be the same as our brothers and sisters living across the LOC (Line of Control).”
Khwaja Farooq, Leader of the Opposition of the National Assembly of AJK, shared his thoughts. He said, “As a Kashmiri leader, I feel disheartened to learn about the G20 conference. While the G20 forum is crucial in tackling global economic challenges, it brings a sense of betrayal and injustice to our people, who have been struggling for their fundamental rights for decades. I condemn the Indian government's decision to hold such a conference in Srinagar when the people of Kashmir live in curfew-like situations and face severe human rights violations. The world witnessed how the Indian government snatched away the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, incarcerating thousands of Kashmiris and placing them under an inhumane lockdown that lasted months. To hold a conference of this magnitude at a time when the Kashmiris are struggling to breathe and suffering from daily human rights violations is a slap in their faces. It is a mockery of the countless petitions and calls for justice made by the Kashmiri people and the international community on their behalf. I urge the Indian government to prioritize the welfare of the Kashmiri people instead of using their plight to gain global prestige through such conferences. The world must understand that Kashmiris are not just numbers on a scoreboard but living human beings with hopes, dreams, and aspirations. They deserve to live with dignity, freedom, and autonomy. For this, the world must speak up and join the call for justice for the Kashmiri people like our Pakistan, which is always here for us".
Mufti Sayyad Kaffayat Hussain Naqvi, a Member of the Kashmir Council, stated, “I strongly condemn India's plan to conduct the G20 Conference in Srinagar. We, either living here or across the LOC, are one. Any evil eye will be taken out as we are not alone. Pakistan Army is standing beside us. As a native of AJK, I want to show my love and thanks to Pakistan Army. They have always protected us from our enemies and worked hard to ensure our safety. They are always there in times of need, whether fighting against Indian aggression or helping during natural disasters. I want to let all the brave soldiers know that we appreciate them and are grateful for their sacrifice. They put their lives on the line to defend us, which we will never forget. We stand with our soldiers and understand the risks they face every day. We admire their bravery, commitment, and selflessness. I pray for the Pakistan Army's success and well-being and hope our nation continues supporting and appreciating them. Pakistan Army zindabad.”
Murtaza Haider, a Software Engineering student from AJK University, expressed his emotions by saying, “India has made a thoughtless decision that serves its interests only. This is another example of the country’s attempt to maintain its illegal hold over Jammu and Kashmir, despite clear instructions from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Kashmiris are outraged by these actions and strongly denounce them.”
Adding up to his affection for Pakistan Army, he said, “May 9 will be remembered as a black day in the history of Pakistan. In Lahore, Peshawar, Islamabad, and Karachi, our country's precious belongings were destroyed, and here, we were speechless when we came to know about the martyrdom of a young Pakistan Army officer, Lieutenant Noor Ullah, who was deployed at the LOC and martyred due to suffocation in unfavorable weather conditions. When the miscreants there felt pride at their destruction the next day, we were attending the funeral of that handsome man in Neelum Valley as his dead body had to be sent to his hometown, Quetta. Believe me, if Pakistan Army thinks of leaving any boundary for even a minute, we won't be able to exist anywhere in this world. Be grateful for such priceless blessings.”
As a native of Kashmir, I will add a few words to show my affection for our beloved Army. A few words always come to mind when I think about Pakistan Army. Here I will like to quote them for our beloved Army, “Their flesh is my flesh, and their blood is my blood. I am at war with those who are at war with them. I am at peace with those who are at peace with them. I am the enemy of their enemies. And I am the friend of their friend. They are from me, and I am from them.”
Pakistan Army zindabad,
Pakistan paindabad!

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