Suhail Bhat
KULGAM, Sept 18: First-time voters in South Kashmir today participated in Phase 1 of the Assembly elections with a mix of optimism and determination, hoping their chosen candidates will address rising unemployment and reinstate safeguards for land and jobs.
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This election is the first in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, and also the first held after a decade. It has garnered significant attention as it represents a new political chapter for Jammu and Kashmir.
The phase covers 24 constituencies across eight districts, with a total of 2,327,580 eligible voters, including 1,176,462 men, 1,151,058 women, and 60 third-gender electors. Despite a history of low voter turnouts and election boycotts, the region sees an enthusiastic response, especially from young voters, many of whom are participating for the first time.
Mohammad Asim Bhat, a first-time voter from Kulgam, hopes for a better future. “I voted for development and for the democratic rights we’ve been deprived of for the last 10 years. I researched my options and chose a candidate I believe will work for the people. I voted against the BJP because of their approach to the reservation policy and their abrogation of Article 370. It is not just about one party; it’s about making a decision that will improve our lives,” he said.
For Imlak Hussain Magray, voting is personal due to the impact of unemployment on his family. “Casting this vote is important to me because I want to see real development. Unemployment has been a serious issue for years, and nothing has been done about it. We need leaders who understand our struggles and will actually address them,” he said.
Sahil, another young voter, is vocal about the challenges faced by the youth in the region. “Unemployment is at an all-time high, leading to depression and frustration among young people. Ninety percent of the youth are caught up in drug addiction because they have no opportunities. I voted for a future where we have jobs and a better life. We haven’t had our own Government for years, and people have suffered under the Governor’s rule. We need change, and that’s why I am here today to vote for someone who will finally bring us employment and hope,” he said.
Raja Manzoor, a journalism student from Tral, views the elections as a chance to unlock the region’s potential. “Tral has so much to offer, especially in tourism, but no one has tapped into it. We need development, not just promises. I want a leader who will recognize the opportunities here and work toward creating jobs for people like me,” he said.
In Dooru, Nadeem shares similar hopes, calling for concrete action to improve his area. “We have been ignored for years. We need roads, schools, and healthcare facilities. The person I voted for knows these issues, and I believe they will work to improve our lives,” he said.
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