Srinagar, Sep 26: In a significant shift in political campaigning, the border districts of North Kashmir, including Kupwara, Bandipora, and Baramulla, are witnessing a surge in night campaigning ahead of the upcoming polls scheduled for October 1st.
This marks a departure from the past, where late-night campaigning was virtually non-existent due to security concerns in these border districts.
Political parties, including key leaders, have embraced this new approach, conducting rallies and meetings until midnight. This trend is being viewed as a positive development by both locals and analysts. “Earlier, such activities were unimaginable during late hours, especially in border areas like North Kashmir, due to security threats. The shift is a reflection of improved security conditions post-2019,” a local political analyst told Rising Kashmir.
The analyst added, “This change shows that the political landscape in North Kashmir is becoming more dynamic, and parties are taking advantage of the improved situation to connect with voters, even during nighttime.”
Residents of Kupwara, Bandipora, and Baramulla have welcomed this change, seeing it as a sign of normalcy. “In the past, campaigning would end by dusk due to safety concerns. Today, seeing political rallies continue late into the night is a refreshing change. It gives us hope that peace is being restored in the valley,” said Syed Imtiyaz of Kupwara.
While security concerns once dominated the discourse, locals attribute the rise of night campaigning to practical reasons as well. Many believe that daytime commitments of the electorate, including work and farming, leave them unavailable for political meetings during the day, prompting parties to reach out during the evening hours.
This change also highlights a broader shift in the security situation, with parties feeling more confident about holding events in previously restricted hours. With the North Kashmir districts set to vote on October 1st, the trend of night campaigning highlihjts a transformed political atmosphere where parties and leaders can engage with their constituents more freely.
This follows two successful phases of elections in South and Central Kashmir, further boosting confidence in the electoral process across the Valley.
