Suhail Khan
Ananthnag, May 25 : After consistently boycotting elections, Mahind Village in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district cast its votes today for the first time.
The Kashmir Despatch team, reporting from Ground Zero, interviewed the voters, who expressed their decision to change their mindset regarding boycotting elections. They highlighted that previous boycotts only led to suffering, with no visible development in the village. Therefore, this vote holds significance as they aim for a new beginning.
Abdul Rashid, an elderly man who had cast his vote, described today as a festival in the village of SriGupwara, which was once a hotbed of militancy. He observed the excitement among the people to cast their votes, likening the atmosphere to a celebratory festival. He emphasized that the community came together for change, development, and a brighter future for their children.
Another voter shared with the Kashmir Despatch team that they cast their vote to end oppression and seek relief from their current troubles.
Additionally, it was reported that members of Jamaat-e-Islami also participated in the voting process.
Pertinently, 18.36 lakh voters will determine the fate of 20 candidates, including People’s Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti and Mian Altaf from the National Conference, in the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
