Displaced Kashmiri Pandit Votes After 32 Years, Celebrates Changing Situation In Kashmir

Veer Saraf, a displaced Kashmiri Pandit, expressed his joy at casting his vote in Kashmir for the first time in 32 years. He cited the changing situation in the region as his motivation to return and participate in the democratic process.

Voting is currently underway for the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat in Jammu and Kashmir, with a large turnout at polling booths. After casting his vote in Anantnag, Saraf told ANI, “I cast my vote in Kashmir after 32 years. I am from a minority community that usually does not visit here. But the changing situation in Kashmir over the last ten years compelled us to come and vote in Kashmir.”

When asked about his feelings, he said, “It is a moment of happiness to cast your vote in your motherland, the most sacred place. We worship our motherland.”

The Election Commission had previously rescheduled the polling date for the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency from May 7 to May 25 due to logistical, communication, and connectivity challenges.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is contesting for the Anantnag-Rajouri seat against National Conference (NC) candidate Mian Altaf Ahmad and Zafar Iqbal Manhas of the Apni Party.

Saraf emphasized the significance of his vote, saying, “I have cast this vote for the contentment of my soul.” He noted that not all Kashmiri Pandits returned to vote, but some of his friends preferred to vote in Kashmir rather than Jammu.

Polling has already been completed in the Jammu, Baramulla, Srinagar, and Udhampur constituencies. This election marks the first general election in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.

In the fifth phase, the Baramulla parliamentary constituency recorded a voter turnout of 55.79%, the highest in the last eight Lok Sabha elections over 35 years. Similarly, the Srinagar constituency saw its highest turnout since 1999, with over 38%.

Voting in Jammu and Kashmir is being conducted in five phases. The counting of votes for all Lok Sabha seats in the region, along with the rest of the country, is scheduled for June 4.