The Jammu Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) has called on foreign diplomats not to fall into the Indian government's trap of peddling a false narrative of normalcy in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. According to Kashmir Media Service, this follows India's invitation to foreign diplomats during the second phase of the farcical elections today, aimed at legitimizing its occupation through the ongoing exercise being held under strict restrictions. DFP spokesman Advocate Arshad Iqbal in a statement issued in Srinagar stated that the Indian government's move is an attempt to mislead the international community. Instead of staged tours, Iqbal urged the government to allow independent observers to monitor the situation. Iqbal emphasized that polls are meant to divert Kashmiris' attention from the freedom movement and that India has a history of using guided trips to deflect attention from the real issue.

He reminded diplomats of their countries' contributions to UNSC resolutions guaranteeing Kashmiris' right to self-determination, stressing that resolving the Kashmir issue is key to regional peace. Iqbal criticized the ongoing poll exercise, citing manipulative electoral reforms and gerrymandering which marginalize Muslim voices. "The Indian government, which boasts of its democratic credentials, has brazenly violated UN Security Council resolutions," Iqbal said. "It's high time for the visiting delegation to conduct a holistic review and refrain from downplaying the seriousness of the internationally recognized dispute."

Credit: Independent News Pakistan