MOOD UPBEAT IN JAMMU
JAMMU : In a striking contrast to Kashmir, the mood among voters was upbeat across Jammu, Rajouri and Poonch districts that witnessed brisk polling in the municipal elections that are taking place after 13 years in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a snub to separatists, who had given a boycott call in Kashmir, a healthy turnout was witnessed in Muslim-dominated localities of the winter capital — Gujjar Nagar, Talab Khatikan, Ustad Mohalla and Bhatindi.
Nonagenarian Ghulam Rasool, who was assisted by his grandson to a polling station in Gujjar Nagar, said, “I have come here for electing the candidate of my choice. The vote must be cast and not wasted.”
In his message to young voters, Rasool said, “If I was able to come to a polling station at such an old age, I see no reason for younger people to fritter away their right. One must vote as sitting at home and criticising politicians is not going to help,” he added.
At Circular Road polling station here, a first-time voter Madeeha Latif, 18, beamed with joy after polling her vote. “I voted for the first time and did so for the development and prosperity of our area. I have contributed my bit,” she said.
On National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) call for a boycott, the 18-year-old said, “They know better why they have boycotted but undoubtedly our choices were reduced by their decision. Had both parties contested, there could have been more options to choose from.”
A retired tehsildar, Mohammed Asgar Bhat (63) said, “Vote should be cast. It is our responsibility and a right given to us by the Constitution. Not using our right amounts to disobedience on our part. If we don’t do it, we have no right to crib”.
On NC and PDP, Bhat said, “NC, PDP watched their self interests. By boycotting these elections, they betrayed people.”
At ward number 21 (Gandhi Nagar), Sudershan Singh Jamwal, a 75-year-old paralytic patient walked into the polling station assisted by his wife to vote with hope of better civic amenities. “It is my democratic right and I won’t let it go waste,” Jamwal said.
Thirty urban local bodies comprising 422 wards that include 75 wards of Jammu Municipal Corporation and three wards of Srinagar Municipal Corporation went to polls in the first phase. A total of 1,283 candidates were in the fray.