Huge rush of voters in terrorism-hit south Kashmir, had boycotted polls last time

With polling underway in various Assembly constituencies of terrorism-affected south Kashmir districts in J&K on Wednesday, enthusiasm is visible among the voters, who are turning out in large numbers to participate in the electoral process being conducted after a long gap of 10 years.

According to election officials, a turnout of 26 per cent was witnessed till 11 am in all the 24 Assembly seats across seven districts of J&K that are going to the polls in the first of the three-phase elections. The count stood at 11.11 per cent till 9 am.

In the south Kashmir districts, a huge voter rush was seen even in areas that had witnessed incidents of stone pelting and boycott during the last Assembly elections.

Pulwama Deputy Commissioner Bashaarat Qayoom told The Tribune: “The polling is proceeding smoothly across all four constituencies in Pulwama district. There is enthusiasm among the voters, who had been queuing up at polling stations since early morning.”

At Banzoo village under Rajpora constituency in Pulwama, a voter, Riyaz Ahmad, said, “It’s a matter of identity for us. Our village never used to vote in the past, but this time, we feel our candidate can help resolve out problems.”

In Kulgam district too, people have been turning out in large numbers. The Kulgam constituency is witnessing a keen contest between CPM veteran MY Taragami and Jamaat-backed candidate Sayar Ahmad Reshi.

A voter in Kulgam told The Tribune that the elections were the need of hour. “I am voting for the first time because it is important to have our own voice. We will elect someone who can raise our issues effectively,” he said.