A delegation of diplomats from various countries arrived in Kashmir on Wednesday to witness the second phase of polling for 26 Assembly constituencies in the Union Territory.
According to sources, the purpose of their visit is to "observe the polling process and assess how democracy is functioning on the ground."
The diplomats represent countries including the USA, Mexico, Guyana, South Korea, Somalia, Panama, Singapore, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa, Norway, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria, and the Philippines.
This marks the first time the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has invited foreign diplomats to witness the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, the first in 10 years.
"Our aim is to observe the polling process and see how democracy operates on the ground," said Alice Chain, a delegate from Singapore, at the Chanpora polling booth. "This isn’t my first visit to Kashmir, but it is my first time observing elections here. It feels much more festive compared to elections in Singapore. Government buildings are being used to provide easy access for voters."
She acknowledged the challenges of visiting polling stations as foreign diplomats, stating that they were fulfilling their observation mission.
"Our purpose is to engage with the people of this large and diverse country. Elections are crucial," another female diplomat, visiting Srinagar for the first time, said.
One male delegate seemed surprised by the concept of a "Pink Polling Station." "This is the first time I have encountered something like a Pink Polling Station," he remarked, adding that it may be designed to encourage higher voter turnout.
"I have never seen anything like it before," he continued. "I’m glad to be here and observe how democracy is functioning."
The delegation also visited a polling station in Budgam.
While this is the first instance of foreign diplomats being invited to observe Jammu and Kashmir elections, it is not the first foreign delegation to visit the region.
After the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, a similar 15-member delegation visited Srinagar on January 9, 2020, to meet political leaders. In May 2023, another foreign delegation visited Srinagar for the first-ever G-20 Tourism Working Group event held at SKICC near Dal Lake, where they also toured the newly renovated Polo View market and interacted with locals.
Omar Abdullah, National Conference vice president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, questioned the rationale behind inviting foreign delegates to the state during polls.
"The government dismisses comments by foreign diplomats on Kashmir, but invites them to Kashmir to observe polls," he said.