Octogenarian Kashmiri Plants Hope for Democracy at Polling Booth

Akbar Khan, an 83-year-old Kashmiri, symbolized democratic spirit by planting a sapling before casting his vote in Poonch district. Urging the youth to vote, Khan rejected the 'Polling at Your Doorstep' facility, emphasizing the importance of choosing good candidates. The vote is crucial for deciding key political figures in the region.

Akbar Khan, an 83-year-old Kashmiri, made a symbolic gesture for democracy by planting a sapling before casting his vote in the border constituency of Mendhar in Poonch district on Wednesday. He urged the youth to exercise their right to vote, emphasizing its importance for choosing capable leaders.

Rejecting the 'Polling at Your Doorstep' facility, Khan walked to the polling booth, underscoring the significance of personal involvement in the democratic process. His actions resonated as voting began at 7 AM across 26 assembly constituencies, under tight security measures.

This phase of voting will determine the fate of high-profile candidates including National Conference's Javed Rana, PDP's Advocate Nadeem Rafiq Khan, and BJP's Murtaza Khan. The second phase of assembly elections covers six districts, with key figures like former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and JKPCC President Tariq Hamid Karra in the running.

(With inputs from agencies.)