Foreign Diplomats Delegation Visits J&K Amid Phase Two of Polling

New Delhi: A high-level delegation of senior diplomats from several countries visited Budgam in Kashmir to observe the ongoing Assembly elections during the second phase of voting in the Union Territory, on Wednesday. 

The delegation included diplomats from the USA, Mexico, Guyana, South Korea, Somalia, Panama, Singapore, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa, Norway, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria, and the Philippines.

Most of the embassies are represented by their Chargé d'Affaires (CdA) or Deputy Chiefs of Mission (DCM), while others are represented by political officers at the Minister-Counselor or Counselor levels.   

The voting for the second phase of the Assembly elections in the state began at 7 am on Wednesday in 26 constituencies, spread across six districts with over 230 candidates in the fray.

The second phase of UT will see more than 2.5 million voters.

The Union Territory also saw the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir elections on September 18, with a voter turnout of 61 percent. The UT is holding its first Assembly elections after a Central rule of six years.

On foreign delegation's visit to witness polling process in J&K, JKNC vice president & candidate Omar Abdullah said that, “...I don't understand it. When the same people comment on J&K, Government of India issues a statement that Jammu & Kashmir is our internal matter and others should not interfere.”

"People are not voting here because they are very happy with the Govt of India. People are exercising their franchise despite all the attempts by Govt of India. Otherwise, the Govt has not left any stone unturned in last 6-7 years in troubling people...But Govt of India wants all the credit...If diplomats can be brought here, why are foreign journalists not being permitted to come here and cover elections.", he added further.