Historic First Vote: Empowering Jammu and Kashmir's Refugee Communities

For the first time in seven decades, the West Pakistan Refugees, Valmikis, and Gorkha communities in Jammu and Kashmir are casting their votes in the assembly elections. This milestone comes after the abrogation of Article 370, granting them full citizenship rights, including voting and land ownership.

Tuesday marks a historic milestone for the West Pakistan Refugees, Valmikis, and Gorkha communities in Jammu and Kashmir as they exercise their voting rights for the first time in seven decades.

These communities, comprising over 1.5 lakh people in districts like Jammu, Samba, and Kathua, are eagerly participating in the assembly elections, bringing an end to their prolonged lack of political representation. Candidates are actively engaging with these communities, marking a significant change from the past.

The transformation follows the abrogation of Article 370, which finally granted these communities full citizenship rights, including voting, employment, and land ownership. As they cast their votes, the West Pakistan Refugees plan to gather in large numbers to commemorate this monumental moment, celebrating the newfound recognition and opportunities that come with full citizenship.

(With inputs from agencies.)