As J&K witnessed the 3rd and last stage of assembly elections, many people at several polling booths in Pattan Constituency who previously boycotted the process, stated that they voted this time for employment, development, and the improvement of basic amenities in the area.
At most polling stations, people were seen standing in long queues since early morning to cast their votes. Enthusiasm was particularly seen among local youth and women voters, who aimed for development in the area.
Amir Hassan, first time voter at Palhallan told Rising Kashmir that people want change at the ground level due to rising unemployment among educated youth, which needs to be resolved.
He said these elections are crucial and a source of hope for people, as they believe they can now raise their voices in assembly. Since J&K was bifurcated, no one has clearly raised these issues.
“We hope our candidate will address the ground realities of Pattan Constituency including unemployment, poverty, and the issues faced by local farmers in assembly,” Amir said.
He added that they used to boycott elections, but it yielded no results. This time youth came forward and vote for change and it will overall change the situation on Kashmir region.
“We are voting for young leadership, not traditional politicians who deceived people from the past 70 years,” Amir said.
Mudasir Dar, another voter at Palhallan said that there has been an increase in unemployment and we hope that our candidate will raise these issues and boost new employment opportunities in the entire area.
“Being a first-time voter, I feel a sense of responsibility towards my village, my district, and my country. This election presents us with a chance to voice our opinions and contribute to the decision-making process,” he said.
Fayaz Ahmad Mir said it is the first time in 35 years that he came out of his home and vote for the candidate. There has been no development over the past. “After 2019, the Assembly elections have ignited a ray of hope, and we are hopeful the winning candidates will remember their promises,” he said.
Mir said there is need for more government schemes to generate employment for local youth. Candidates campaigning in the area have assured us of their support. My vote is precious, and I do not want to waste it; I want to elect a good candidate,” he said.
“We are hopeful that all pending demands in the area would be fulfilled. “Boycotting is never a solution, and the participation of people is a welcome step,” Mir added.
Nazneen, another young voter from Palhallan said that said they want to see progress and development at ground level. We want a positive change for peace and that is why people are coming out to cast their votes.
“People are facing dozens of problems and there was nobody whom we could have approached. It is a good opportunity to resolve our own issues. If there will be a good development, then peace can be automatically achieved, she said.
Nazneen said that there should be infrastructure development, access to quality education, and employment opportunities are some of the key concerns facing the youth in our region.
“People of area have been neglected for too long, and it is time we take our future into our own hands. Our village needs development, especially in terms of healthcare and infrastructure,” she added.
Mehraj Ahmad, a local from Tantraypora Palhallan said that in the past, many of us boycotted the elections because we felt our voices were not being heard.
“We realize that boycotting only silences us further. By participating, we have a chance to demand the change we desperately need, especially in terms of employment and infrastructure development,” he added.
Meanwhile adequate arrangements were in place by District administration Baramulla for smooth elections and polling in the area.
This was the first major electoral battle after the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories in 2019
