Omar criticises government for inviting diplomats to observe J&K polls
- In Reports
- 09:17 PM, Sep 25, 2024
- Myind Staff
On September 25, National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah criticised the Centre for inviting foreign diplomats to observe the ongoing assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. He stated that the elections are an internal matter for India and emphasised, "We do not need their certificate." Abdullah questioned the need for foreign observers, noting that when foreign governments comment on Indian affairs, the government typically asserts that it's an internal matter. He described the invitation as a "guided tour" and accused the Centre of seeking to take credit for public participation in the elections, calling this a betrayal of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Voting is taking place on September 25 for 26 seats across six districts of Jammu and Kashmir. A delegation of 16 diplomats from missions based in New Delhi arrived this morning at the invitation of the Ministry of External Affairs to observe the elections. Omar Abdullah reiterated that the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir "are an internal matter for us" and asserted, "We do not need their certificate."
He further stated that the public's participation in the polls is not due to the Indian government but rather in spite of its actions, claiming that the government has humiliated the people and used its machinery to detain and harass them. "Despite that, people are coming out and participating in the elections. This is not something the government of India should be highlighting. But, that's just how they are," he said.
Later, after casting his vote, Abdullah told reporters that if India does not want foreign interference or comments regarding Jammu and Kashmir, "then why are they invited here?" He emphasised that the credit for the people's participation in the elections should go to the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. "However, the government of India wants all the credit for itself, which is a betrayal of the people here," he said.
"The people of Jammu and Kashmir are not voting or participating in the elections because they are happy with the Government of India. It is despite the government's attempts that they are engaging; otherwise, they have done everything possible to harass the people and make their lives difficult over the past 6-7 years," he added. Abdullah questioned why foreign diplomats can be invited while foreign journalists are not allowed. "No permission was granted to any foreign journalist who applied to cover the elections, yet these diplomats are being given a guided tour like tourists, which is not a good thing," he said.
The assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir are being held for the first time in 10 years and are the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Abdullah noted that the people of J-K have been waiting a decade for these elections, and following a successful first phase, he anticipates a good turnout in the second phase as well.
"Regardless of which party, the enthusiasm at political rallies has been encouraging. We hope that this enthusiasm translates into voter turnout," he added. When asked about the significance of the second phase, as he is contesting from both Ganderbal and Budgam, Abdullah said that all election days are important. "It's not just about me; it's about the party as a whole. The first phase was important, and the third phase will be too. While I have a personal stake in this, every phase matters for the party," he said.
The former chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir remarked, "Ummeed pe duniya qaayam hai" (hope is what keeps the world moving). "I am quietly hopeful. Ultimately, it’s in the hands of the Almighty and then in the hands of the voters. So, let’s see," he added. When asked about PDP president Mehbooba Mufti's allegations of bogus voting in Ganderbal and Budgam, Abdullah stated that the PDP has "seen the writing on the wall."
"Please investigate the PDP's allegations. I can't help it if their candidates haven't made the impact they expected. It's not my fault that people have withdrawn from the election campaign in my favour," he said.
He added that the PDP was initially pleased to receive support from the Apni Party in Budgam until Muntazir Mohiuddin went against them and announced his support for him. "After that, the PDP became upset and started attacking us and the Apni Party. They have clearly seen the writing on the wall. Forget about Budgam and Ganderbal; they will be lucky to win even in Bijbehara. So, I don't want to say much more about it," he concluded.
Mohiuddin, who had filed his nomination from Budgam on the Apni Party's mandate, withdrew from the race and declared his support for Abdullah. Bijbehara is the constituency where Iltija Mufti, daughter of Mehbooba Mufti, is contesting, and it voted in the first phase of polls on September 18.
Regarding Rahul Gandhi's visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, Abdullah commented that the Congress should focus more on Jammu. "It's a good thing. I hope after Rahul campaigns in one or two seats in Kashmir, he turns his attention to Jammu. Ultimately, what the Congress does in Kashmir isn't as important as what it does in Jammu," he said.
Abdullah expressed that, unfortunately, the Congress has not accomplished as much in the plains of Jammu as the National Conference (NC) would expect, especially given their pre-poll alliance. Gandhi is set to address a public rally in the Sopore area of north Kashmir later that day.
Image source: The Hindu
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