Srinagar: Omar Abdullah, the vice president of the National Conference, has voiced strong criticism against the Indian government for inviting foreign delegates to observe the assembly elections in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, labeling the move as hypocritical.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Omar Abdullah highlighted the contradictory approach of the Modi government by inviting foreign observers to the elections while typically asserting that matters in Jammu and Kashmir are an internal affair. “When foreign governments comment, the government of India says it’s an internal matter, but now they want foreign observers to come and monitor our elections,” he expressed during a public statement.

Abdullah asserted that the assembly elections are a domestic issue that should be left to the people of Jammu and Kashmir without needing external validation. He accused the Indian government of using its power to oppress and harass the local populace, including detentions and suppression of dissent. However, he noted that the participation of people in the elections shows their determination and resilience against such pressures.

“The government should not be highlighting this participation as their achievement,” Abdullah remarked. “It’s happening despite their efforts to suppress us.”

The comments by Abdullah come in the context of his participation in the assembly polls, where he is contesting from both the Budgam and Ganderbal seats.