NVI Special Correspondent
Srinagar, Sep 25 (NVI): A 15-member foreign delegation of foreign diplomats today took everybody by a surprise at a polling station at Central Kashmir’s Budgam where they captured the poll mood amid a bright sunshine all over.
One of the delegates from South Afira, Lara Swat they have come to Kashmir on the invitation of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Government of India as part the outreach program.
“I am happy to be in Kashmir. I have not observed anything yet as I have just arrived here,” she said.
The diplomats are from 15 countries that include USA, Mexico, Guyana, South Korea, Somalia, Panama, Singapore, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa, Norway, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria and Philippines.
The delegation took a stroll at a Budgam polling station and interacted with the polling staff there. Official sources said that the foreign diplomats will visit a few more polling booths in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts. There was no official announcement or any communique about the arrival of the diplomats to Kashmir as their visit has taken people and the political leaders by a surprise in the Valley.
Pertinently, the polling for the second phase of Assembly polls is underway in 26 constituencies of J&K. First phase of polls held on September 18 recorded over 61 per cent voting and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) J&K is expecting much higher percentage in the ongoing second phase (News Vibes of India)
