J&K polls: Centre to take foreign diplomat delegation to Srinagar
In a bid to highlight the democratic transition in Jammu and Kashmir, the central government is set to escort a group of foreign diplomats to observe the second phase of polling. The Indian Express reported that this marks the first time such an invitation has been extended by the Union government. The delegation, comprising 16 diplomats, will be accompanied by a 20-member team from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Diplomats from major western democracies to visit Srinagar
The delegation includes representatives from prominent Western democracies such as the United States, the European Union, and Australia. Russia is also part of this visiting team. The primary objective of this initiative is to demonstrate the "peaceful conduct of the electoral process" and "participation of people at a large scale," according to an official. The diplomats will only visit Budgam and Srinagar districts, likely skipping Jammu.
Mixed reactions to foreign diplomats' visit
The decision to invite foreign diplomats has elicited mixed responses from local political figures. National Conference Vice-President Omar Abdullah questioned the need for guided tours when the Union government rejects any international criticism of its actions in J&K. On the other hand, Sunil Sethi, chief spokesperson of J&K Bharatiya Janata Party, welcomed the visit and said he saw no reason to oppose an initiative that aims to showcase "the festival of democracy being celebrated in free, fair and transparent manner."
First assembly election in J&K after a decade
The current assembly election is the first in J&K in a decade, following the abrogation of special status under Article 370 and degradation of statehood into a Union territory. A delimitation exercise has allocated 47 assembly seats for Kashmir and 43 for Jammu. The second phase of this election will see over 2.5 million voters across six districts casting their votes on Wednesday, September 25, to decide the fate of 239 candidates.
Key candidates and campaign discourse in phase 2
Key candidates in the second phase include former Chief Minister Abdullah, BJP J&K chief Ravinder Raina, and JKPCC President Tariq Hamid Karra. The wealthiest candidate is J&K Apni party chief Altaf Bukhari with wealth exceeding ₹165 crore. Campaign discourse has largely revolved around terrorism, abrogation of Article 370 and restoration of statehood, and resumption of dialogue with Pakistan over the Kashmir dispute.
