Pulwama’s elderly defy age to shape future

Pulwama, Sep 18:With deep wrinkles etched on his face and hunched shoulders, 90-year-old Sanaullh Mir on Wednesday showed up at a polling station in the Lassipora area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district to cast his ballot.

Despite his advanced age, he remained determined to participate in the electoral process.

Mir said he has been participating in the electoral process by casting his ballot since 1977.

“I never steered clear of polling booths. I have been casting my vote since the 1977 elections,” Mir said.

J&K is going to polls after a decade and strange enthusiasm is palpable on the faces of voters irrespective of their age.

Mir said that he felt elated as he was casting his vote after a good 10 years. He voted as he wanted to have his own elected government that could resolve issues confronting the common people.

“The increase in electricity bills is putting extra financial strain on the people,” he said.

Mir said that he hoped that he could elect a government that would address the issues like price rise and unemployment.

In neighbouring Naira village, 89-year-old Azi Begum also cast her vote.

Begum said that she wanted to elect a representative who could truly represent the people’s aspirations in the assembly.

“I hope that the candidate I vote for emerges victorious,” Azi said.

In various parts of the district, elderly voters were seen actively participating in the poll process.