Voters demand real change, not rhetoric

Budgam, Sep 25: The residents of Budgam district Wednesday expressed disappointment over what they described as unfulfilled promises and “hollow” development claims made both before and after the abrogation of Article 370.

For many, these elections are a chance to voice their discontent with the status quo and demand genuine progress and change.

Amir Nazir Malik, a first-time voter, minced no words in his criticism of the government’s performance since 2014.

“They have done nothing since 2014,” he said. “The problems have and are only worsening over the years. Our problems have compounded since 2019, and our families are finding it difficult to make ends meet.”

One of the most pressing issues for the residents is the lack of educational infrastructure.

Jamsheed, a final-year student in Aripathan, pointed out that the government established a high school in Aripathan in the early 1990s.

Since then, locals have repeatedly demanded an upgrade to a higher secondary school, but their pleas have gone unheard.

“Despite several assurances from various political leaders over the years, nothing has materialised,” Jamsheed said. “Most of the promises made by previous and present regimes were hollow.”

The disappointment is not limited to education alone.

The lack of infrastructure development has left many feeling neglected.

A group of voters in Shogpora, Budgam, said that the much-touted promises of development after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019 have not translated into any tangible benefits for people.

“We were promised rapid development and modernisation after Article 370 was scrapped, but it was all empty talk,” they said. “The roads in our areas have not been repaired since 2016. This shows how much they care about our basic needs.”

Residents across Aripathan share similar grievances.

They argue that despite repeated assurances, basic amenities such as proper roads, healthcare, and educational facilities remain a distant dream.

The promises made by both the State and Centre have, according to locals, not been fulfilled, leaving many to question the intentions behind such pledges.

Ali Muhammad, an elderly resident, recalled how politicians had always turned up before elections, making grand announcements, but disappeared soon after.

“Every election, they come with the same promises – better roads, more schools, healthcare facilities -but once the votes are cast, we are forgotten,” he said. “Our area still lacks a proper hospital. For any serious illness, we have to travel to Srinagar, and that is not easy for anyone, especially the elderly and the poor.”

The issue of unemployment has also been a significant concern.

With limited opportunities available locally, many young people are forced to move to other states for jobs, which has disrupted family structures and caused widespread social distress.

“There are no job opportunities here,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a local graduate. “Young people like me are left with no choice but to leave our homes and families to find work elsewhere. It’s heartbreaking.”

The situation in Aripathan is reflective of the broader discontent across Kashmir, where people feel that promises of peace and development have not been realised.

The abrogation of Article 370 was portrayed by the Centre as a step towards better governance and economic prosperity for the region.

However, residents argue that their lives have become more challenging since then, with increased security measures, economic hardships, and a sense of political alienation.

Many, like Amir and Jamsheed, are participating in the electoral process not out of hope but out of desperation for change.

“We are voting today not because we believe things will change overnight, but because we have no other choice,” said Amir. “This is our only chance to demand what we have been denied for so long – basic dignity and a chance at a better life.”

With the elections underway, the residents of Aripathan and many other areas in Kashmir are sending a clear message: They are tired of empty promises and are yearning for real, substantive development that addresses their pressing needs.

Whether the new government will heed their calls remains to be seen.