The election bugle has been blown in Jammu Kashmir and all the political parties have started preparing for the elections. Congress and National Conference have also divided the seats. Out of 90 seats, NC will contest on 51 and Congress on 32. BJP has also released its third list of candidates. But how is it possible that elections are held in Jammu Kashmir without any foreign interference? So, this has happened once again. But this time, not Pakistan but America is playing a role in the elections of Jammu Kashmir.The US diplomatic delegation is in Kashmir to meet various political figures. Lone met People’s Conference chairman Sajad Gani. The delegation, led by Minister-Counselor for Political Affairs Graham Meyer, First Secretary Gary Applegarth and Political Advisor Abhiram Ghadiyalpatil, met Lone at his residence in Srinagar. News agency IANS quoted People’s Conference sources as saying that a wide range of issues were discussed in the meeting.
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Party spokesperson Ashraf Mir was also present. The delegation met former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at his Gupkar residence on the previous day. During this meeting, Abdullah urged diplomats to reconsider the travel advisory and ease restrictions on visits to Jammu and Kashmir, Lok Sabha member Syed Ruhullah Mehdi was also present during this meeting.
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Additionally, the delegation also held discussions with former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu. Mattu, who has met the diplomats on several occasions, including last August, spoke about the transformation of Srinagar, the possibility of tourism expansion and investment opportunities. The mayor’s last visit to the Valley was in August 2023, during which he met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at the Raj Bhavan in Srinagar. Sources said the visit is part of a broader diplomatic initiative to engage with all political parties and evaluate the situation in anticipation of the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The visit also coincides with the days following the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. On July 23, the US issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir and Manipur.
