SRINAGAR: India’s attempts to spin the narrative around the Kashmir situation through a diplomatic lens have come under strong criticism.
The Indian government invited diplomats from influential nations to observe elections in the region, hoping to legitimize its actions, quell dissenting voices, and highlight supposed advancements in stability and governance.
However, this move raises questions about the true state of affairs in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where violence and unrest continue to simmer beneath the surface.
According to foreign media reports, India has invited around 20 diplomats from various countries, including the US, France, and Germany, to observe elections in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Similar diplomatic visits were organized in 2020 following the abrogation of Article 370, intended to showcase progress toward normalcy; however, global skepticism remains.
Despite India’s assertions of normalcy, violence in the region has escalated, prompting the international community to look beyond these visits and focus on the actual situation.
Kashmiri leaders have criticized the elections, asserting that recent polls cannot replace the UN-promised plebiscite to determine the region’s political future.
Furthermore, the first phase of elections in occupied Kashmir concluded on September 18 under oppressive conditions, with broad powers granted to the Lieutenant Governor, which is viewed as a measure to undermine Kashmiri autonomy.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International (AI), have raised concerns about the tactics employed by the Indian government during the elections. AI has condemned the prolonged detention of Kashmiri leaders and criticized Indian authorities for imposing travel restrictions and detentions.
