*Pahari community votes with renewed responsibility
Govind Sharma
POONCH, Sept 25: The three Assembly constituencies of Poonch district-Mendhar, Haveli and Surankote-witnessed heavy polling, particularly at Polling Stations along the Line of Control (LoC). This time, there was complete peace, with no fear of firing across the LoC. People of all ages, genders, creeds, and castes came out to vote, focusing on the overall development of Poonch, including roads, schools, colleges, hospitals and tourism.
Speaking to Excelsior after casting his vote at a Polling Station in the Poonch-Haveli constituency, Advocate Sanjay Raina, an educated voter, said that the people of Poonch have experienced development since the Modi Government came to power. This has prompted people to vote in large numbers, hoping for a Government in the State that will continue this progress. He emphasized Poonch’s vast potential for tourism, which previous Governments neglected. He expressed hope that the upcoming Government would focus on this sector, which motivated people to cast their votes.
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The enthusiasm among voters, especially first-time voters, was at its peak. “We have been waiting for a long time for Assembly elections, and now it’s finally happening. I feel proud to participate in this festival of democracy by casting my vote,” said Sakid Mumtaz, a first-time voter from the Mendhar constituency. He mentioned that he belongs to the Pahari community, which has recently been granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by the Government of India. This has sparked enthusiasm among the Pahari community to fulfill their responsibility by voting.
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Syed Begum, a retired teacher who cast her vote at a Polling Station set up in Government High School, Sagra (Mendhar constituency), lamented the poor condition of roads in Poonch, especially in rural and LoC areas. She noted that some areas are still not connected by roads, and hospitals are too far away. In emergencies, patients often die because they cannot reach medical facilities in time. “In the hope that the new Government will address these issues, along with unemployment, I, like many others, have come out to vote,” she added.
Another voter, Mumtaz Khan, expressed frustration that public representatives often fail to fulfill their promises after winning elections. “Every time we vote, we hope our representative will work for us and address our basic issues, but after winning, they disappear and become unapproachable to the common masses. Once again, we are voting with the same hope, satisfied that at least we are fulfilling our responsibility.”
Divya Sharma, a first-time voter in the Poonch-Haveli constituency, highlighted the lack of good hospitals, women colleges, and other facilities in Poonch. She cast her vote with these critical issues in mind. Another first-time voter, Diksha, echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the poor road infrastructure and unemployment among educated youth in LoC villages. “Even youth with multiple degrees are wandering unemployed, leading to frustration. I believe the upcoming Government will take this issue seriously,” she asserted.
After casting his vote at a Polling Station set up in Government Higher Secondary School Shazia, Mohd Jaleel said, “We live very close to the LoC. This is the first Assembly election where we can vote without fear of Pakistani firing. Previously, very few people voted due to the fear of death from Pakistani firing, but this time, there is complete peace. People are celebrating this peace and voting with the hope that it will continue.”
Mohd Yakoob from LoC village Hari Darmara expressed his wish for peace and development. “My only hope is that a good candidate wins. We are witnessing Assembly polls after 10 years, and if the wrong candidate wins, we may have to wait another five years or more to get our issues addressed,” he said with deep concern.
Prashant, a resident of Baloni village, located just 200 meters from the LoC, said, “Our village is craving basic facilities like roads, water, electricity and health services. We don’t expect much from our upcoming public representative but do hope for these basic facilities that every taxpayer deserves.”
Iqbal, after casting his vote at a Polling Station in Government Middle School Draba in the Surankote constituency, Stated, “Under the present Union Government, the entire J&K is on the path of development, and Poonch is also advancing. People of all communities are benefiting from Central Government schemes, and they are all voting for the continuation of these development activities.”
Girish Lal, a senior citizen unable to walk properly, was seen casting his vote at Polling Station number 78. “Despite being a patient, I have come to vote. Everyone should participate in this festival of democracy by casting their precious vote,” he emphasized.
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