JAMMU: Overseas Kashmiri Pandits turned out to vote in Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency in large numbers despite the heat wave and expressed strong support for the construction of dedicated townships for their return and rehabilitation as well as the restoration of temples in the valley.
More than 21.30 per cent of the 17.37 lakh voters cast their votes within the first four hours of voting. Many voters emphasized their permanent connection to Kashmir and their desire to return.
Vikas Raina said, “This is my 34th year living as an undocumented citizen of India. We have voted before.He referred to PDP president Mehbooba Mufti's assurance to the displaced community during her outreach program in Jammu on Sunday, saying she strongly advocated giving land to community members for building houses and restoration of temples in the valley.Mufti Said that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who had announced to give five marla land to the homeless, should give priority to migrant Kashmiri Pandits so that they can build their houses in the valley.
She supports the construction of residential quarters inside the temple complexes in the valley so that Kashmiri Pandits come to visit those places and spend some time there, which will boost their confidence.
Jagriti Bhatt of Gushi village in Kupwara district raised a similar demand and said, “We want our own motherland in the valley. Separate township where we feel safe and a sense of security is necessary.I don't think anyone has any problem with this long-pending demand of the community." Also advocated.
He said, “I have voted to ensure our return to Kashmir before I die. We need a separate place where we all can live with a sense of security.For this, complete peace should be restored in the valley."
Nath further said that every time during elections, he voted with the hope of fulfillment of his demands. Highlighting the need to restore peace in the Valley, he said, "This is the last test for all these parties from my side "
Sarita, who traveled from Bengaluru to vote for the first time for Baramul Lok Sabha constituency at a polling booth in Udhampur, expressed hope for lasting peace that would enable her family to return.
He said, “There are good security arrangements.My vote is for peace and the possibility of living again in Kashmir." Anita, who voted with her family at Mutthi polling station, reflected on the long exile of Kashmiri Pandits.
He said, "We have lived like refugees for 34 years. This vote is for our rehabilitation in Kashmir. We need a township to live again in the Valley.How can we go back? We don't have any house there."
Jammu and Kashmir BJP vice-president Girdari Lal Raina, who voted in Chinor, expected a huge turnout. "People are very excited. And I hope the turnout will be more than 60 per cent," he said.
Voting began at 7 am at 2,103 stations across the constituency.Relief Commissioner Arvind Karwani confirmed that voting was going on peacefully and enthusiastically.
"More than 20,000 Kashmiri migrant voters across the country are eligible to vote in Baramulla," he said. Twenty-eight polling stations have been set up for the migrants, including 21 in Jammu, four in Delhi and one in Udhampur, along with three auxiliary polling stations. are the centre. This election is the first major political event after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and features 21 candidates. These include former Chief Minister Oma Abdullah.Abdullah faces significant competition from People's Conference leader and former separatist-turned-politician Sajjad Lone. Fourteen independent candidates, including two women, are also contesting from the traditionally high-polling Baramulla constituency.
More than 21.30 per cent of the 17.37 lakh voters cast their votes within the first four hours of voting. Many voters emphasized their permanent connection to Kashmir and their desire to return.
Vikas Raina said, “This is my 34th year living as an undocumented citizen of India. We have voted before.He referred to PDP president Mehbooba Mufti's assurance to the displaced community during her outreach program in Jammu on Sunday, saying she strongly advocated giving land to community members for building houses and restoration of temples in the valley.Mufti Said that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who had announced to give five marla land to the homeless, should give priority to migrant Kashmiri Pandits so that they can build their houses in the valley.
She supports the construction of residential quarters inside the temple complexes in the valley so that Kashmiri Pandits come to visit those places and spend some time there, which will boost their confidence.
Jagriti Bhatt of Gushi village in Kupwara district raised a similar demand and said, “We want our own motherland in the valley. Separate township where we feel safe and a sense of security is necessary.I don't think anyone has any problem with this long-pending demand of the community." Also advocated.
He said, “I have voted to ensure our return to Kashmir before I die. We need a separate place where we all can live with a sense of security.For this, complete peace should be restored in the valley."
Nath further said that every time during elections, he voted with the hope of fulfillment of his demands. Highlighting the need to restore peace in the Valley, he said, "This is the last test for all these parties from my side "
Sarita, who traveled from Bengaluru to vote for the first time for Baramul Lok Sabha constituency at a polling booth in Udhampur, expressed hope for lasting peace that would enable her family to return.
He said, “There are good security arrangements.My vote is for peace and the possibility of living again in Kashmir." Anita, who voted with her family at Mutthi polling station, reflected on the long exile of Kashmiri Pandits.
He said, "We have lived like refugees for 34 years. This vote is for our rehabilitation in Kashmir. We need a township to live again in the Valley.How can we go back? We don't have any house there."
Jammu and Kashmir BJP vice-president Girdari Lal Raina, who voted in Chinor, expected a huge turnout. "People are very excited. And I hope the turnout will be more than 60 per cent," he said.
Voting began at 7 am at 2,103 stations across the constituency.Relief Commissioner Arvind Karwani confirmed that voting was going on peacefully and enthusiastically.
"More than 20,000 Kashmiri migrant voters across the country are eligible to vote in Baramulla," he said. Twenty-eight polling stations have been set up for the migrants, including 21 in Jammu, four in Delhi and one in Udhampur, along with three auxiliary polling stations. are the centre. This election is the first major political event after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and features 21 candidates. These include former Chief Minister Oma Abdullah.Abdullah faces significant competition from People's Conference leader and former separatist-turned-politician Sajjad Lone. Fourteen independent candidates, including two women, are also contesting from the traditionally high-polling Baramulla constituency.
