South Kashmir Speaks

Anantnag/Pulwama, Sep 18: Long queues of voters were witnessed since early morning across the south Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam for the long-awaited J&K assembly polls.

The elections, the first in over a decade, witnessed voters in Kashmir exercising their democratic rights following the abrogation of Article 370 and the subsequent reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir.

Voters from all walks of life, from first-time voters to the elderly, and in particular women, turned out in large numbers, reflecting a renewed interest in the political process.

South Kashmir, once considered a stronghold of militancy, surprised many with its peaceful and enthusiastic participation in the polls.

Polling stations across south Kashmir were heavily secured, but voters, undeterred by long waits and high-security arrangements, patiently stood in queues from early morning. Many expressed hope for a fresh start.

The large turnout in south Kashmir was a clear message that despite the challenges, people remain hopeful that their voices will be heard through the power of the vote.

The elections have reinvigorated hopes for peace and development, with voters eager to see tangible improvements in their daily lives. The decade-long absence of local government has created a power vacuum that many hope will be filled by capable leaders willing to address the pressing issues of unemployment, inflation, and infrastructure development.

Voters across south Kashmir spoke about key issues that drove them to the polling booths, with rising unemployment, unabated inflation, and a thirst for development at the forefront.

Suhail Ahmad, a first-time voter from Pulwama said that this was his first vote, and he feels that it’s crucial for the young people to participate.

“There are no jobs, and the cost of everything has skyrocketed. We need leaders who will work for us and bring economic growth,” he said. “The last 10 years have been hard for the youth in J&K. We need change.”

For many like Suhail, employment opportunities have been severely limited. The absence of a popular government in recent years has only exacerbated the situation. South Kashmir traditionally an agricultural hub, has struggled to cope with stagnation in both the farming sector and other industries. The sentiments like those of Suhail are shared by many in south Kashmir, where young men and women see this election as a possible turning point.

Manzoor Bhat, a fruit grower from Shopian, said that he wants to elect someone who understands the pain of farmers.

“Apple growers have faced huge losses in recent years. There is no market support, and everything is getting expensive. How can we survive?” he said. “We are voting today in the hope that things will change for the better.”

Women voters also turned up in large numbers, defying traditional expectations and making their voices heard. Many were seen at polling stations in Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Shopian.

For Rukhsana Begum, a middle-aged homemaker in Kulgam, the election is important.

“The price of basic things like food, fuel, and medicines has become unbearable. It affects us, women, the most, as we have to manage our homes,” she said. “I have come to vote because I want someone to solve these problems. Our children deserve a better future.”

Nighat Jan from Tral said education and empowerment were the driving forces behind their decision to vote.

“I am voting today because I want better opportunities for education. We need more colleges and universities in south Kashmir,” he said. “We cannot always depend on Srinagar for everything. It’s time we had our voices heard.”

Mushtaq Lone, a retired schoolteacher from Anantnag said that for years, people lived under a cloud of uncertainty.

“Militancy, lockdowns, and political turmoil – we have seen it all. Today, I voted because I believe in peace and progress,” he said. “I hope the new government will finally bring stability to Kashmir.”

Many voters voiced their hope that these elections would mark a turning point for J&K. While they felt disempowered in the wake of the abrogation of Article 370, they believed their vote could reclaim some of the lost autonomy.

“We are voting to regain control over our future,” said Farooq Ahmad, a shopkeeper in Tral. “We can’t let outsiders decide our fate. This vote is for our dignity, our rights, and our future generations.”