South Kashmir’s Militant Families Cast Vote
Suhail Khan
ANANTNAG, 25: The Lok Sabha elections on all three seats of Kashmir were concluded on Saturday with not only a satisfactory voter turnout, but also a changing scenario in which the notion of “wasted votes” has broken down barriers, with the participation of even voters from militant families.
Kashmir Despatch Team learned from official sources that in the 6th phase of the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary seat, the families of militants across the southern parts cast their votes, not only setting an example for others but also showing how voting is important for development, for change, and for a bright and successful future.
As per the details available, the father of active militant Zahid Ahmad Dar, who is affiliated with the banned terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), cast his vote in district Kulgam. The father of another active militant of the Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit, Mushtaq Ahmad Itoo, cast his vote at Kulgam. The active militant Yasir Bashir’s father, Bashir Ahmed Dar, cast his vote at Redwani Kulgam.
Active militant Farooq Ahmad Bhat, also known as Nali, is affiliated with the HM District Commander Kulgam. His brother, Mohd Younis Bhat, cast his vote at the polling station in Khanpora Yaripora. The brother of active militant Irfan Ahmad Lone, a resident of Hawoorah, also cast his vote.
Jamaat-e-Islami workers and members also cast their votes at various locations in parts of South Kashmir.
This was the first time that people didn’t boycott the elections; they participated in the electoral process by their own will for change and development.
Earlier this week, the militant families in the northern region of Kashmir broke the chain and cast their votes for development and change. They also appealed to their militant sons to return, shun the gun, and live a peaceful life.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
