Inked figure sign of empowerment: Jammu youth

Jammu, Oct 1: “We are feeling empowered after casting our vote for the first time. We are hopeful that the representatives, elected through our votes, will address the issue of unemployment and pay attention to end stagnation in job markets.”

Assertion comes from Simpi Dogra and Kiran Sharma, both the first timers after casting their vote in a Polling Station set up in Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Mubarak Mandi.

Kiran is accompanied by her grandfather Gajanand Khajuria (85), for whom the country's development and national security were the priorities.

“I wanted to avail loan but I could not get it. For me this is a concern,” says Satpal. “Search for a responsible and honest representative brought me to the polling booth. So far success has eluded but hope lingers on,” he says.

Arvind Sharma of Janipur Colony said, “The issues of high electricity tariffs, education, job creation, introduction of property tax and governance are some of the issues which needed to be addressed on priority.” Rahul Soni, first time voter in Jammu North, wants a special job package for the youth.

“They are facing hardships for want of government jobs,” he says.

Husband-wife duo of Ravinder, Gursharan, both first time voters too focus on development. "We want representatives who can be our voice and meet our aspirations," they assert.