Wed Sep 25 09:58:00 UTC 2024: ## Foreign Diplomats Observe Historic Kashmir Elections Amidst Controversy
**Srinagar, India** – For the first time in a decade, foreign diplomats from 15 countries were invited to observe local elections in India’s disputed Jammu and Kashmir region on Wednesday. The event marked a significant step in New Delhi’s efforts to demonstrate the normalcy returning to the region after the revocation of its special status in 2019.
The three-phase elections, the second phase of which took place on Wednesday, are the first in the region since 2014. Over 9 million voters are eligible to choose members for the 90-seat legislature.
Diplomats from the U.S., Mexico, Singapore, Spain, South Korea, and other nations visited polling stations across the Muslim-majority Kashmir Valley. They expressed positive observations about the smooth and professional conduct of the elections.
“It is a rare opportunity to come to Kashmir and see the electoral process in action and see democracy. It looks very smooth, everything is very professional,” said Jorgan K Andrews, deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy.
However, the invitation to foreign observers has sparked criticism from opposition leaders, who argue that Kashmir’s elections are an internal matter and do not require international validation.
“When foreign governments comment (on Kashmir), the government of India says this is an internal matter for India, and now suddenly they want foreign observers to come and look at our elections,” said Omar Abdullah, leader of the local National Conference party.
Historically, Jammu and Kashmir has been a hotbed of political tension and violence. The region, claimed in full by both India and Pakistan, has been a focal point of conflict since 1947. An ongoing insurgency has also plagued the territory since 1989.
Despite the history of unrest, voter turnout in the recent national elections held in April and May reached a record high of 58.46%, marking a sign of increased civic engagement. The outcome of the current assembly elections is anticipated to be crucial for the future of the region.
First Piper 