G20 Meet in Kashmir: Success Amidst Unrest and Controversy

India hosted a G-20 tourism event in Kashmir to showcase the region's return to peace and prosperity, but the heavy security presence and lack of local participation highlighted the ongoing tensions. The region has not seen elections for its legislature in almost a decade, and the decision to hold the event in Kashmir has been controversial, with neighboring Pakistan and the UN special rapporteur on minority issues condemning it. While the government touts new development projects and record tourist numbers, critics argue that without a free and vocal media, it is unclear whether militancy is growing or not.