As voting for phase 2 of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly was underway in the union territory's three districts, foreign diplomats arrived to observe the polling process. This is the first time this is happening in Jammu and Kashmir following abrogation of Article when foreign diplomats have been allowed to observe electoral process.

As the second phase of polling continues in Jammu and Kashmir, a delegation of 15 foreign diplomats arrived in Srinagar to observe the voting process in central Kashmir and assess the ground situation regarding law and order.

Omar Abdullah, National Conference vice president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, questioned the rationale behind inviting foreign delegates to the state during polls. "The government dismisses comments by foreign diplomats on Kashmir, but invites them to Kashmir to observe polls," he said.

The Centre invited foreign delegates with the objective of showcasing the peaceful poll process and the good voter turnout that has been witnessed since the Lok Sabha polls earlier this year. The delegation visited several regions in Jammu and Kashmir to witness Assembly elections.

“The aim is to showcase the peaceful conduct of the electoral process and participation of people at a large scale in election process after the abrogation of Article 370,” they said, and added that diplomats are set to tour the central Kashmir districts of Srinagar and Budgam, where polling is ongoing in the second phase of elections.

Responding to the diplomats' visit, JKNC vice president and candidate Omar Abdullah said, "If diplomats can be brought here, why are foreign journalists not being permitted to come here and cover

Elections in Jammu and Kashmir are being held in three phases. Voting for 24 seats in the first phase was held on September 18 while polling for 26 seats in the second phase is underway today (September 25).