Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Sep 25 : “We got a chance to witness ‘national level elections’, and with Kashmir’s history, it is exciting to see elections here after almost 10 years,” said a member of a 15-member foreign delegation from various countries.
As Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing its first elections in nearly a decade, Jorgan K. Andrews, a senior Foreign Service officer at the US Department of State, along with the delegation, spoke to the news agency here in Srinagar’s Chinar Bagh polling station, falling under the Lal Chowk Constituency.
“It is exciting to witness the smooth and professional manner in which the elections are being conducted here. It is a rare opportunity to observe Kashmir’s electoral process,” Andrews remarked. “As diplomats, we are pleased to see the democratic process in action and to learn more about Indian democracy.”
He added, “Given Kashmir’s history, it is noteworthy to witness elections here after almost 10 years. The elections are proceeding in a typical manner and appear to be progressing without major issues.”
The diplomats’ visit coincides with the second phase of the assembly elections, and their presence has surprised many in the region. Historically, separatist parties have called for the inclusion of foreign delegates, a demand that seems to have been addressed with this visit.
