Omar slams Govt’s ‘guided tourist’ diplomacy

Srinagar, Sep 25: National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah Wednesday criticised the Centre for inviting foreign delegates to Srinagar saying that the diplomats had been brought here like guided tourists to show them the election process.

Talking to reporters after casting his vote, Abdullah said that it was confusing that the same people say that J&K “is their internal matter” and claim no one else should interfere in it.

“But if they don't want external opinions, then why are they bringing these people (diplomats) here,” Abdullah said.

He said that if foreign diplomats could be brought here, why foreign journalists were not allowed to come?

“No foreign journalists who applied to cover the elections were given permission, yet these diplomats have been brought here like guided tourists to show them the elections. This is not right,” Abdullah said.

He said that during phase II of assembly polls, the majority of the votes would be polled in favour of NC candidates.

“And wherever NC doesn’t have candidates, Congress candidates will get the votes. On October 8, 2024, the NC-Congress government will be formed here in J&K,” Abdullah said.

He said that the people here were not participating in the elections or voting because they were happy with the Government of India (GoI).

“Over the past six years, the government has left no stone unturned in harassing and troubling the people here. Despite the GoI’s tactics, people are still taking part in the elections,” Abdullah said

He said that the credit for massive participation in elections goes to the people but the Centre wants to claim all the credit, “which belongs to the people here”.

About the low voter percentage witnessed in Srinagar, Abdullah said that people were no longer accustomed to casting votes.

“We now have to relearn how to leave our homes, go to polling booths, and use our votes. People have the right to demand work from their MLAs, and that right begins with the vote. So I hope people will come out and vote,” he said.