The Miss World beauty pageant set to take place in the disputed region of Indian-administered Kashmir, forming a part of a month-long series of events spread across India, as announced by the organizers.
Kashmir, with a Muslim-majority population, a contested territory claimed in its entirety by both India and Pakistan, with their administration divided along the Line of Control. The region has marked by a decades-long struggle for independence or integration with Pakistan, resulting in a significant loss of lives involving civilians, military personnel, and insurgents.
In a shift towards promoting tourism in this stunning mountainous area, which drew over a million Indian tourists last year, India has selected it as one of the locations to host the Miss World beauty pageant. The initiative is a part of a broader effort to present the region as a viable tourist destination.
Julia Morley, the Chair of the Miss World Organization, expressed optimism about this choice, calling it a “blessed place for tourism” during her visit to Srinagar, the region’s main city.
The month-long Miss World event, scheduled from November to December in Kashmir, will include various activities like talent displays, sports competitions, and charitable initiatives, ultimately leading to the grand finale. The pageant, according to its organizers, is a platform to acknowledge the beauty, intellect, and humanitarian endeavors of women.