BANDIPORA: Voters of all ages, including youths, lined up in long queues at polling stations across Bandipora district, eager to cast their ballots even before voting officially began at 7 am on Monday. Long lines of voters were seen in Hajin, Naidkhai, Bandipora, Sumbal, and Shahgund in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
Voters expressed that it’s the right time to choose representatives who can solve their genuine day-to-day issues. “We are supporting a candidate whose ideas resonate with us,” shared a group of young men from Hajin, highlighting their enthusiasm despite the region’s historical disenchantment with politics.
Gh Nabi Nabi, 70 years old, voiced a common sentiment among voters and said that roads, electricity, and sanitation need serious attention. “We need representatives who genuinely hear our voices and act upon our needs,” he added.
Mir Bashir Ahmad, spokesperson for JKTF EJAC, applauded the robust turnout, stating, “It’s heartening to see people actively participating in the electoral process. This is democracy at work, empowering citizens to select leaders who will truly represent their aspirations.”
First-time voter Adil Ahmad said that voting is crucial now more than ever. “It’s a way for us to shape our future and ensure our concerns are heard and addressed by those in power,” he emphasized. “The situation has changed, and voting is the best option to get oneself heard.”