SRINAGAR: In the heart of the picturesque Kashmir Valley, the twin districts of Pulwama and Shopian showcased a glimmer of hope, as the residents of Pulwama and Shopian Assembly Segment displayed an unwavering commitment to democracy by turning out in large numbers to exercise their right to vote.
By participating in the electoral process, they hope to elect representatives who will address their concerns and work towards improving their quality of life.
At Polling Station, 55-Awantipora of Pulwama district, first-time voter Umar Ayoub was very enthusiastic to cast his vote. “I came to vote with a reason to celebrate the spirit of democracy. My vote will be for the development and progress in terms of basic needs,” said passionate Umar while standing in a long and serpentine queue.
Similarly, in the Polling station Sher Abad Tral, 92-year-old Zaiba Begum came to vote with the only hope of having a better future for her grandchildren. “I am voting with an aim to see development in my area for the betterment of our future generations”, said elderly Zaiba Begum.
Likewise, in Koil, Bunroo, Rajpura, Nikas areas of Pulwama district as well as Tukroo, Bun Bazar and other areas of the Shopian Assembly segment witnessed brisk polling as long and serpentine queues of voters, both male and female, were seen from the early morning.
The significance of this turnout extends beyond the confines of Pulwama and Shopian. As the sun sets over the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, casting a golden glow over the lush valleys below, the people of Pulwama and Shopian can take pride in their actions. They have shown the world that even in the face of adversity, the flame of democracy burns bright in the Kashmir Valley, illuminating the path towards a brighter tomorrow.
Similar, scenes were witnessed in Kangan, ST Assembly segment of Ganderbal district which forms part Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency. The people of the area once again reposed trust in democracy by exercising their right to franchise in large numbers.
The people of this area despite living in the remotest part of the Constituency showed way by coming out in large numbers to vote. Not only elders but younger as well as first-time voters even exercised their voting rights with full enthusiasm. Be it 20-year-old Rahil or 19-year-old Arif at Nunner Polling Station or Iqra Sultan, 25 at Wussan all were equally jubilant in casting their votes as per their free will.
Similarly, at the far-off Wangat Polling Station, Noor-un-Nisa, 18 and Ruksana, 20 had come to cast their votes with other members of their family in the wee hours of the Polling in their village. In another Polling Station of this village housed in a Middle School, young friends Adil Qureshi, 25 and Ibrahim Qureshi, 23 had come together to take the first leap in celebrating the spirit of democracy.
The locals of the area believe that exercising their right to choose their representatives is only for the larger good of the entire area as well as future generations. The locals, this time again participated in the festival of democracy with great enthusiasm and fervor despite having difficult terrains and other adversities.
