Jubilant voters celebrate NC’s thumping victory on streets

Srinagar, Oct 8: Vibrations of hope and hues resounded in Srinagar as air reverberated with "Zoun Ho, Zoun Ho, Alban Zoun Ho" (Plough has won) slogans as an election closely watched drew to a close.

The air reverberated with charged moments from early morning hours when hundreds of enthusiastic supporters were seen thronging the area outside counting stations as they anxiously awaited the first result. It became a giant celebration as supporters of different candidates packed the streets with jubilation. Cheering at different constituencies, especially outside the residence of National Conference leaders Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, at Gupkar electrified the atmosphere with cheers.

As the results began to trickle in, hopeful faces gradually changed to look like those of sheer joy and pride. Hundreds of supports had been waiting outside the residence of Dr Farooq Abdullah, though anxious but confident. Women from Lal Chowk area, all ageing majors sang traditional songs of Kashmiri as they felt elated.

A middle-aged voter from Chanapora, Fayaz Ahmad, was among those who gathered near Abdullahs’ residence. Emitting a sense of pride, he said that this victory belongs to the people of Kashmir. “The National Conference has always been the voice of Kashmir and today's results prove that they remain rooted in our hearts," he said. Such was the cry in the slogans: "Zoun Ho" — a Kashmir word literally meaning "We Won" and carried in Kashmiri. It echoed in the air for a brighter future and new political stability.

Even in the neighbouring district Budgam, the scene was no less electrifying. Revelling was found to be prevalent across the district, but mainly before homes of winning candidates' residences. The entire town suddenly came alive as men and women-and even children-only some more adventurous, coming in trucks-waving flags and showering the winners with flower petals.

In the throng in Budgam, 70-year-old farmer Ghulam Nabi Bhat of Beerwah stood silently clutching his stick, but the smile said it all. "I've lived during so many elections. But today's result for me is special. There is again unity and hope," he said, proudly pointing out to the large number of young people outside residence of MP Aga Ruhulla.

"Today, we feel empowered. We young people have a voice and we ensured that our voice is heard. Today's result is hoping to bring in development, opportunities, and peace to J&K." By noon, long queues are seen in every constituency but have been cheering up the winners as they emerge from the counting stations. Drums, Kashmiri traditional instruments, and firecrackers fill the air as victorious candidates and their supporters march through the streets.

At Amira Kadal, supporters of the local National Conference candidate hoisted him on their shoulders, covering him in garlands. Vendors along the roadside distributed sweets and hot kahwa to the passersby.

"It is always so. Kashmiris have always been resilient, but today, we are also joyful. We hope this victory brings about meaningful change," said Mohammad Shafi, a retired teacher from the city centre.

More joined in the festivity as the day progressed and reflected the overall excitement with the elections. The turnout in constituencies was reflective not only of public interest but also of optimism for the future.

Omar Abdullah, to his followers who had celebrated the triumphant success, thanked the people for their unwavering support. "Today's victory is not ours alone, but a victory of the people of Kashmir. We trusted each other and will bring a better future to our region," he said as thunderous applause accompanied the address in Budgam.

It was a day of unity, pride, and vindication for the commitment that would define the future of Jammu and Kashmir, above and beyond the hollering from Srinagar to Budgam.