Kashmir Voters Show Up in Record Numbers, Breaking Years of Boycotts

Featured & Cover  Kashmir Voters Show Up in Record Numbers Breaking Years of Boycotts

In a significant departure from its volatile past, the districts of Pulwama, Anantnag, Kulgam, and Shopian in South Kashmir witnessed a remarkable shift towards participatory democracy during the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections on September 18, 2024. These areas, once known for militancy and separatist-driven street protests, saw both new and long-absent voters heading to the polls in what many described as a turning point for the region.

For the first time in decades, residents who had long boycotted elections—following calls from the separatist Hurriyat Conference—and young voters who had just turned 18, arrived at polling booths to cast their ballots. Significantly, this year’s elections were conducted without the looming fear of militant violence or pressure from separatist groups. Instead, voters expressed a renewed sense of agency and a desire to influence the future of Jammu and Kashmir through peaceful participation.

A Peaceful Election Day and Higher Turnout

In a sign of growing engagement with the democratic process, the voter turnout for the first phase of the Assembly elections across Jammu and Kashmir was 61.13%, a clear indicator of increased political participation. In Tral, a region known for low voter turnout, the numbers had already surpassed those of the previous election by late afternoon. During the 2014 Assembly elections, Tral recorded a voter turnout of 37.68%. By 5 p.m. on Wednesday, the turnout had reached 40.58%, reflecting an upward trend.

The sentiment behind this shift was captured by many voters who viewed the elections as a crucial moment in the history of the region. Fayyaz Ahmad Magray, a 46-year-old voter from Tral’s Batgund area, described his decision to vote as a stand against the erosion of local autonomy and the imposition of laws without the consent of the people. “The past four years have been tough. Security forces have cracked down, and the humiliation inflicted by officials from outside instilled a sense of helplessness. Anti-people laws were framed without locals being consulted,” Magray explained. “I am voting to end our helplessness. We are at a critical juncture of history. Vote is my means to make a statement against the forces hellbent on destroying Jammu and Kashmir with each passing day.”

First-Time Voters Seek Change

For many of the younger voters in the region, the elections represented an opportunity to address pressing governance issues, particularly those affecting their future prospects. Qasim Sheikh, a first-time voter from Shopian, expressed frustration with the current system, particularly the shrinking opportunities for open merit students. “Open merit reservation has gone down significantly during the past six years. More and more communities are added to the reservation list and the open merit students’ quota has been reduced to around 30%. Our future is bleak if it’s not rationalised,” he said, pointing to the need for reforms that would ensure a more equitable system for all.

Shopian, a district with a history of militancy, also saw a marked increase in voter turnout. Despite its reputation as a volatile area, the Shopian Assembly segment’s voter turnout rose from 52.06% in the 2014 elections to 54.72% by 5 p.m. on Wednesday. This increase suggested a growing willingness among residents to engage with the political process in the hopes of securing a better future for their communities.

Pulwama: A Vote Against Fear

Pulwama, which has long been associated with violence and militancy, also saw a notable increase in voter turnout. The district’s Gundibagh-Kakpora and Beighpora areas, known for being the home of both Adil Ahmad Dar—the suicide bomber responsible for the 2019 Pulwama attack that killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel—and Riyaz Naikoo, the former commander of the militant group Hizbul Mujahideen, were among those where voting was seen as a form of resistance. “The vote is the new weapon,” declared a young voter from Pulwama, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

He highlighted the routine harassment faced by local youth, particularly during national holidays or VIP visits, as a major factor motivating him and others to vote. “Come August 15, we are rounded up. On every VVIP’s visit, youth are summoned to police stations. We hope this vote will bring an end to the cycle of summons and raids,” he explained.

Pulwama’s voter turnout reflected this determination to break the cycle of fear and violence. By 5 p.m. on election day, the turnout had reached 46.22%, a significant increase from the 38.31% recorded in the 2014 elections.

Anantnag Joins the Shift

Anantnag, a district historically prone to calls for separatist boycotts, also showed a shift in voter behavior. Despite being one of the regions most influenced by separatist movements, Anantnag’s voter turnout rose from 38.67% in the 2014 elections to 41.58% by 5 p.m. this year. The increase in turnout was seen as a reflection of the changing political dynamics in the region, where residents are increasingly looking to the ballot box as a means of shaping their future.

For many voters in South Kashmir, the act of voting in these Assembly elections was not just about choosing representatives but about sending a message. After years of political turmoil, violence, and alienation, these elections offered a chance for the people to reclaim their voice and influence the direction of governance in Jammu and Kashmir.

Challenges Ahead for South Kashmir

Despite the promising turnout, challenges remain for South Kashmir as it seeks to stabilize its political landscape. The region has been deeply affected by both internal and external pressures, with militancy, political unrest, and economic struggles all contributing to its volatility. However, the increased voter turnout in districts like Pulwama, Shopian, Tral, and Anantnag suggests that more people are willing to engage in the democratic process, even in areas that have long been resistant to electoral participation.

The hope among many voters is that this increased engagement will lead to more responsive governance and policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of the local population. As Fayyaz Ahmad Magray noted, “We are at a critical juncture of history.” For the people of South Kashmir, this election may indeed represent a new beginning, one in which the power of the vote is used to build a more stable and prosperous future for the region.

As the election process continues, the high voter turnout in South Kashmir offers a glimmer of hope for the future. It signals a shift away from violence and boycotts towards a more participatory and peaceful form of political expression. Whether this trend will continue remains to be seen, but for now, the people of South Kashmir have made their voices heard in a powerful way.

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