SRINAGAR: The concluding phase of the Legislative Assembly elections in Kashmir saw voting in 16 constituencies across Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora districts of North Kashmir, where over 1.5 million registered voters determined the fate of 202 candidates.
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), Bandipora recorded a voter turnout of 63.21%, while Baramulla saw 54.00%, and Gulmarg led with 65.74%. In other constituencies, Gurez (ST) registered 77.96%, Handwara 69.21%, Karnah 68.50%, Kupwara 62.00%, Langate 66.60%, Lolab 63.00%, Pattan 67.30%, Rafiabad 61.94%, Sonawari 69.84%, Sopore 45.00%, Trehgam 66.18%, Uri 67.55%, and Wagoora-Kreeri 60.72%.
Baramulla district had a total of 7,22,923 eligible voters, comprising 3,64,517 males, 3,58,394 females, and 12 from the third gender. Voting took place at 908 polling stations.
Kupwara district saw participation from 5,40,483 registered voters, including 2,70,776 males, 2,69,697 females, and 10 third-gender voters, with the ECI setting up 622 polling stations across the district.
Bandipora district had a voter base of 2,59,893, which included 1,32,679 males, 1,27,208 females, and six third-gender individuals. Elections were held across 312 polling stations, with 46 designated for urban areas and 266 for rural zones.
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Large crowds formed early at polling stations across North Kashmir as voters lined up to cast their ballots. Though voting queues thinned as the day progressed, people steadily turned out in small numbers to exercise their right to vote. Many voters expressed enthusiasm, stating it was their first opportunity in years to elect new Assembly members and hoped for better governance and solutions to local issues.
In a conversation with The New Indian, Mohammad Maqbool Najar, a voter from Bandipora, voiced concerns about the changing situation in Kashmir. He emphasized rising unemployment, with many individuals forced into daily wage labour, and mentioned skyrocketing prices for essential goods like electricity and gas cylinders.
Another voter, Abdul Jabbar from Tregam, Sonawari, criticized the National Conference, noting that despite holding power for 18 years, the party had not brought development to the region. He praised a PDP representative who, despite having served only as a Sarpanch, achieved more tangible progress than the NC leader, who had also served as a minister but failed to deliver significant improvements.
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In the Palhalan area of Baramulla district, voters came out in strong numbers, eager for development and change. Once known as a centre for election boycotts, Palhalan witnessed an early turnout as people headed to polling booths in hopes of progress.
Nazima, a voter from Palhalan Pattan, shared her perspective with The New Indian. She described how the region has been mired in various challenges for over four decades. While the area had historically boycotted elections, she noted that many now realize that avoiding the polls hasn’t helped their situation. Nazima underscored the need for electing a candidate who can address crucial issues like education and healthcare.
As the polls wrapped up, North Kashmir voters expressed hopes that their participation would lead to meaningful change in their communities, breaking from years of political stagnation.