Polling for the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections commenced on Wednesday, accompanied by stringent security measures. Early in the morning, several displaced Kashmiri Pandits began exercising their right to vote at designated polling centers set up specifically for them.
Many displaced Pandits expressed hope for the elections, which mark a significant event after ten years and the abrogation of Article 370. They anticipate that a newly formed government will facilitate their return to their homeland and address ongoing security concerns.
First-time voters shared their excitement and expectations during interviews. Akshit Tikoo, voting for the first time from the Habba Kadal constituency, said, “I feel very good after voting for the first time. I appeal to young voters to take the initiative. If you don’t take responsibility, no one else will.”
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Pawan Kumar Koul, another first-time voter and displaced Pandit from Budgam district, encouraged the youth to participate actively. “Don’t waste your precious vote. I urge the government to provide employment opportunities and facilitate our return to our homes. Many skilled youth lack jobs, and I request the government to take action.”
Another young woman voter voiced her demand for government job opportunities, saying, “We, Kashmiri migrants, want opportunities for government jobs to contribute to the nation. I am well-educated, but I have to work in a private job. I seek government job vacancies.”
However, the Election Commission has made special arrangements to enable displaced Kashmiri Pandits to vote across all three phases of the elections. In this second phase, over 15,000 displaced Pandits are eligible to cast their votes in three districts of Kashmir.
In Udhampur, a dedicated voting center for displaced Kashmiri Pandits features 15 polling booths for various Assembly constituencies, accommodating 353 registered voters—191 men and 161 women. The Habba Kadal constituency in Srinagar has the highest number of displaced Pandit voters, totaling 6,000.
Voting is taking place across 26 Assembly constituencies in six districts, determining the fate of 239 candidates. A total of 2.578 million electors are eligible to participate in this phase, which began at 7 a.m. and will continue until 6 p.m.
