Phase II Polls: Many voters participate first time in 35 years

Srinagar, Sept 25: In the second phase of assembly elections held today across Srinagar, Budgam, and Ganderbal districts, many voters participated for the first time in 35 years, expressing hope that democratic engagement would resolve the region’s long-standing issues.
Ghulam Mohi-Ud-Din Sofi, a resident of Shaltang in Srinagar, told Rising Kashmir that he had not cast his vote since the 1990s but felt that staying away from elections had not brought any positive results. “Democracy is the only solution to our pending problems,” Sofi said. He explained that his past decision to avoid polls left him feeling voiceless. “This time, we want to be part of the solution. Only through democracy and dialogue can we address the issues that matter to us.”
Sofi expressed hope that the candidate they elect would advocate for peace and become a voice for their community in the Assembly.
Mohammad Altaf Khan, another local, shared that his family had historically stayed away from elections. However, this time he decided to vote, recognizing the importance of using his right to make a difference. “Vote is precious, and no one should waste it,” Khan said. He noted that the positive shift in this election, especially with educated youth contesting, had encouraged him to participate again after last voting in 2002.
Khan expressed confidence in the transparency of the election process and optimism that the newly elected candidates would address critical issues left unresolved since the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. “We hope the Assembly will focus on real problems like unemployment, poverty, and challenges faced by local farmers.”
The Union Territory (UT) administration ensured adequate arrangements for smooth polling across all three districts of the Kashmir region. This election marks the first major electoral event since the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories in 2019.