DM Monitoring
NEW DELHI: India has launched a deceptive diplomatic campaign to distort the reality in Kashmir.
According to foreign media reports, India has invited around 20 diplomats from several countries, including the US, France, and Germany, to observe elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Similar diplomatic visits were arranged in 2020 after the abrogation of Article 370 to show progress towards normalcy, but global skepticism remains.
Despite India’s claims of normalcy, violence in the region has surged, prompting the international community to look beyond the visit and focus on the real situation.
Meanwhile, Kashmiri leaders have criticised the elections, stating that the recent polls cannot replace the UN-promised plebiscite to determine the region’s political future.
Additionally, the first phase of elections in occupied Kashmir concluded on September 18 under oppression, with broad powers granted to the Lieutenant Governor, seen as an act of suppressing Kashmiri autonomy.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International (AI), have expressed concerns over the tactics used by the Indian government during the elections. AI also condemned India’s actions regarding the prolonged detention of Kashmiri leaders.
AI has criticised Indian authorities for using measures such as travel restrictions and detentions.
Earlier, The people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir have voiced dissatisfaction over seat allocation and voting arrangements during the elections in the disputed region.
The Supreme Court of India upheld the abrogation of Article 370 and ordered elections in occupied Jammu and Kashmir in December 2023. Before the elections, the Modi government further reduced the state’s autonomy.
Additional powers have been transferred to the Lieutenant Governor by the Modi government, which is unacceptable to the Kashmiris.
According to media reports, the BJP’s success heavily relies on Jammu. In this context, despite its lower population, Jammu was given more seats in the new delimitation, which is considered unfair, causing discontent among the Kashmiri people.
The Modi government faces challenges like armed attacks and public dissatisfaction, but voters in occupied Jammu and Kashmir primarily seek stability, development, job opportunities, education, and healthcare.
