As the election date of October 1st draws near, residents of Kupwara eagerly await the opportunity to cast their ballots, hoping to elect leaders who will address the district headquarters’ long-standing issues.
Voters in the Kupwara constituency expressed a range of concerns they hope the new leadership will address. Foremost among their demands is the need for an upgraded hospital. The district headquarters currently lacks adequate healthcare facilities, compelling residents to travel to neighboring districts for even minor medical issues.
“We need a better hospital here. It’s long overdue, and the authorities must prioritize healthcare. We shouldn’t have to travel so far for basic medical treatment,” a local resident emphasized. Traffic congestion is another pressing problem. Residents highlighted the lack of proper parking spaces, leading to frequent traffic jams in the district headquarters.
Tourism promotion also features prominently on voters’ agendas. Sohail Yusuf, one of the voters, noted that while Kupwara boasts several beautiful tourist spots, they remain underdeveloped. “We have several tourist places here that could attract visitors, but the government needs to promote them. We hope the new leadership will focus on this,” he said. Poor road conditions were also cited as a significant concern. Many roads in the district headquarters are in disrepair and urgently need macadamization. “We need better roads. Every election, they promise us this, but nothing happens. This time, we want real change,” remarked Zubair Ahmed, a young first-time voter.
Youth unemployment remains a critical issue as well. Despite a large number of educated youth in the area, job opportunities are scarce. “Employment generation must be a priority for the new leadership. We’ve been promised jobs before, but this time we want action, not just words,” Zubair added. Overall, the people of Kupwara are hopeful that the upcoming elections will bring about significant changes. “Our vote has the power to change anything, and we believe these leaders will address our issues,” residents expressed in unison.
