Srinagar, May 20: The Kashmiri Hindu community in Lagama village, Uri, turned out in large numbers to vote for job security and development during the fifth phase of polling in the Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency. Despite the turmoil of the 1990s, which saw significant migration of Kashmiri Hindus from the valley, the community in Lagama remained steadfast and never migrated.
The ‘All Women Manned’ pink polling station 68-Lagama in the Uri subdivision witnessed brisk voting, with long queues seen outside the polling booth. Voters emphasized the need for development, employment, and a peaceful life. Lagama, located about six kilometers from Uri town, is known for its harmonious coexistence, with Hindus making up 74% of the population, Muslims 18%, and Sikhs 0.8%. Since its establishment in 1947, Lagama has been a symbol of peaceful coexistence.
PermaishRaina, a resident of Lagama, told Rising Kashmir that the village has 662 voters, including approximately 338 female voters. Raina highlighted their dedication to democracy and the preservation of their cultural identity. “We voted for the party that will safeguard our identity and support regional interests. Our village thrives on mutual harmony, extending a helping hand to all without succumbing to external influences,” Raina said.
Pushpa Devi, a 102-year-old resident who cast her vote for better development and lasting peace, emphasized that voting is the basic right of every individual. “We voted to address issues like unemployment, lack of electricity, and water scarcity in our village, aspiring for a better future for our next generations,” she said.
Anju Sharma, a first-time voter from Lagama, stressed the importance of voting as a fundamental right for all eligible citizens of India. She highlighted the need to choose representatives who prioritize community welfare in Parliament. “We are here to cast our vote only to select a desired candidate who can voice our concerns at the highest level of democracy,” she said. Sharma pointed out that unemployment, lack of proper drainage, water facilities, healthcare, and education are the main concerns for the people of Lagama. “Our representative will voice our concerns in Parliament, and this time we cast our vote for a change,” she added.
Sneha Sharma, another female voter, said her vote was for the creation of employment opportunities. “Despite having a master’s degree, I am unemployed; rather, a majority of youth in our community are unemployed at present. Today’s vote is for a candidate who can promise us job security,” she added.
Lagama village, despite being a Hindu-majority enclave surrounded by a Muslim-majority area, has stood as a beacon of harmony. The Kashmiri Pandit population in Lagama never migrated, even during the height of cross-border shelling and terrorism in the early ’90s.
