“They say they don’t want third-party interference, yet bring in foreign delegates”
Srinagar: National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah criticized the central government for inviting foreign delegates to observe Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, labeling them “guided tourists.”
Abdullah expressed confidence that the NC-Congress alliance would form the next government, saying most votes would favor their candidates, he made these remarks after casting his vote in the 2nd phase of assembly elections.
However, he questioned the government’s motive behind inviting foreign diplomats, citing inconsistency. “They say they don’t want third-party interference, yet bring in foreign delegates. Why?”
Abdullah emphasized that J&K’s people deserve credit for participating in elections despite alleged government harassment. “The government is trying to take credit, but it’s deceitful.”
He also criticized the restriction on foreign journalists, saying, “If diplomats can come as guided tourists, why can’t journalists report freely?”
The Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections conclude on October 8.
