Srinagar: A delegation of senior diplomats from several countries, including the US, interacted with voters in central Kashmir’s Badgam district soon after their arrival to witness the on-going Assembly election, officials said on Wednesday.
The delegates visited several polling stations of central Kashmir’s Badgam district to see the polling process and other arrangements. They also talked to the voters at many places.
The delegation later left for Srinagar. The diplomats are also scheduled to visit Jammu.
The delegation consisting of diplomats from the US, Mexico, Guyana, South Korea, Somalia, Panama, Singapore, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa , Norway, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria and the Philippines is visiting Kashmir to witness the on-going election process in Jammu and Kashmir.
Polling is currently underway in 26 assembly constituencies spread over six districts of Jammu and Kashmir. These are the first elections in J&K in a decade and after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
Officials said most of the embassies are represented by their CdA/ DCM (Chargé d’Affaires ad interim and Deputy Chief of Mission) and others are represented by Political officers at Minister-Counselor/ Counselor ranks.
Meanwhile, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah questioned the visit of foreign delegation in Srinagar and said, “I don’t know why foreigners should…check the elections”.
He said when foreign governments made their comments on Kashmir, India said that this is our internal matter. “Now, suddenly the foreign observers are coming to Kashmir to look at our elections. These are internal matter for us. We don’t need their certificate”, Omar said.
“This participation is not because of the government of India. It is inspite of everything the government of India did… they humiliated people, they have used all the machinery to detain and harass the people and inspite of that the people are coming and participating in the elections”, Omar said.
“This is not something that the government of India should be highlighting,” he added.
