Diplomats from Delhi-based 16 foreign embassies witness voting process in Kashmir

Srinagar, Sep 25, KNT: In a first the Government of India invited diplomats from 16 countries to observe the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. This marks the first time since the onset of militancy that foreign observers have been allowed to witness the polls. Earlier governments never allowed international diplomats to witness the electoral process in Kashmir.

A delegation comprising representatives from the US, Norway, Singapore, Mexico, Guyana, South Korea, Somalia, Panama, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria, and the Philippines visited different polling stations in Central Kashmir’s Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal district.

The diplomats, mostly Charge d’affaires and deputy chief of missions, were invited to showcase the peaceful poll process and impressive voter turnout witnessed since the Lok Sabha elections.

This move from BJP led Delhi Government reverses the previous government’s stance on international observers, which opposed allowing foreign oversight. [KNT]