From Terror Hub to Ballot Boom: Kashmir’s Dramatic Shift in Voting Patterns as 25.78 Lakh Voters Cast Their Ballots in Key Districts

With major political figures in the fray and international observers monitoring the elections, Jammu and Kashmir’s ground realities have shifted significantly.

By Gaurav Santosh Sep 25, 2024, 16:42 IST

The ongoing assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir have revealed a major shift in voter turnout, particularly in regions historically known for boycotting polls. Areas like Soibug in Budgam, once a terror hub, and Nowhatta in Srinagar, notorious for stone pelting, saw long lines of voters. In previous elections, voter turnout was as low as 2-3%, but today these areas have witnessed a massive transformation. With major political figures in the fray and international observers monitoring the elections, Jammu and Kashmir’s ground realities have shifted significantly.

1. Soibug: From Terror Epicenter to Voter Hub

Soibug, the birthplace of Syed Sallahuddin, a prominent militant leader, saw hundreds of voters at polling stations—a stark contrast to previous elections where boycotts were rampant. This region, once dominated by terror ideologies, has shifted from bullets to ballots, marking a major change in the region’s political climate.

2. Downtown Srinagar: Boycott to Ballot

Downtown Srinagar, particularly the Nowhatta area, long known as the epicenter of stone pelting and anti-election sentiments, witnessed unprecedented voter turnout. Residents expressed that the revocation of Article 370 and the long-standing governance by the Lieutenant Governor had influenced their decision to vote, as they now seek local representatives.

3. Voter Sentiment: Betrayal and Realization

Locals like Abdul Gani Malik voiced feelings of betrayal by separatists who once discouraged voting but now participate in the elections themselves. Similarly, voters from downtown Srinagar like Tariq Ahmad explained that fear once kept people from voting, but a newfound understanding of the importance of political representation has motivated them to cast their ballots.

4. International Delegation Witnesses Elections

The Ministry of External Affairs invited diplomats from 14 countries, including the USA, Mexico, and South Korea, to observe the electoral process. These delegates visited polling stations in districts like Budgam and Srinagar, emphasizing India’s commitment to peace and stability in the region. Foreign diplomats praised India’s efforts in ensuring fair elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

5. Key Political Figures and Voter Impact

This phase of elections has heavyweight candidates such as former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, APNI Party’s Altaf Bukhari, and Congress state president Tariq Hameed Karra. With over 25.78 lakh voters deciding the fate of 239 candidates, the election results will be pivotal in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir.