TDD Correspondent
Srinagar, Sep 25 (TDD): A delegation of foreign diplomats Wednesday made a surprise visit to Kashmir on the invitation of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) affairs Government of India and right away visited a polling station at Central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
Photo Credit: Shah Jehangir
The diplomats are from 15 countries that include USA, Mexico, Guyana, South Korea, Somalia, Panama, Singapore, Nigeria, Spain, South Afira, Norway, Tanzaniya, Rawanda, Alegeria and Philippines.
One of the delegates from South Africa, Lara Swat while talking to reporters said that a group of 15 foreign diplomats have come to Kashmir on invitation of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Government of India as part the outreach program. “I have not observed anything yet as I have just arrived here,” she said, while replying to a query as to what she observed.
Official sources said that the foreign diplomats will visit a few more polling booths in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts. There was no official announcement or any communique about the arrival of the diplomats to Kashmir as their visit has taken people and the political leaders by a surprise in the Valley.
Photo Credit: Shah Jehangir
The visit of foreign delegation has come at a time when the polling for the second phase of Assembly elections is underway in 26 constituencies of J&K. First phase of polls were held on September 18 that recorded over 61 per cent voting and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) J&K is expecting much higher percentage in the ongoing second phase. National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah has questioned the surprising visit of foreign diplomats stating that when these diplomats issue a statement on J&K India claims Kashmir was an internal issue and now the same Government is inviting foreign diplomats to Kashmir to observe voting. (TDD)
