Diplomats From 16 Nations Observers For J&K Polls, Omar Abdullah Questions Need Of 'Foreigners' Certificate'

A high-level delegation from 16 countries is observing the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections, monitoring the voting process in the Union Territory.

Deputy Chief of Missions and political officers from 16 countries have reached Jammu and Kashmir to witness elections as phase two of voting is underway. The high-level delegation from the USA, Mexico, Guyana, South Korea, Somalia, Panama, Singapore, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa, Norway, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria, and the Phillippines has travelled to the Union Territory to observe the elections to the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. 

A diplomat from Rwanda who is part of the delegation said the conduct of the polls are smooth. "...The organisation is smooth and we are told that it (voting) started at 7 am and will go on till 6 pm...They are expecting everyone to come in and vote...," the diplomat told ANI. 

Alice Cheng from Singapore High Commission noted that the organisation of elections was similar to her country "where you use government buildings to make it accessible for people."

Diplomats also observed how children accompanied their parents to polling booths. "I have never seen this kind of practice before," said Deo, a diplomat from Tanzania. 

"I was happy to see little kids with their parents...I think they are here to learn from their parents how democracy works. That was really impressive...," remarked Lim Sang-woo from South Korean Embassy.

'Guided Tourists'

Jammu Kashmir National Conference leader and party candidate from Ganderbal, Omar Abdullah slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Central government over the saying "We don't need certificates from foreigners." 

"I don't know why foreigners should be asked to check elections," Abdullah said. "When foreign governments comment, the Government of India says this is an internal matter for India, now suddenly they want foreign observers to come and look at our elections," he said.

Slamming the Centre, Abdullah said, "This participation is not because of the Government of India, its in spite of everything Government of India did. They have humiliated people, used all the machinery of the government to detain and harass people." 

"Inspite of that people are coming and participating in elections so this is not something the Government of India should be highlighting," he added. 

"If diplomats can be brought here, why are foreign journalists not being permitted to come here and cover elections...Diplomats are being brought here as guided tourists. This is not good," Abdullah said.