West Pakistani Refugees Celebrate First Voting Rights in J&K

West Pakistani refugees express joy over their first opportunity to vote in Jammu and Kashmir after India's independence. Thanking PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, they highlight the significance of Articles 370 and 35A abrogation in new voting rights and access to government schemes.

The refugees from West Pakistan have shared their joy at voting for the first time since India's independence. This marks the first assembly election in the former state post-abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A).

Labha Ram Gandhi, President of the West Pakistani Refugees Association, expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. "It is a very happy moment for West Pakistani refugees. After 75 years, we can vote in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly. Previously, we were ostracized and called Pakistani during elections. I thank the Indian PM and Home Minister for abrogating Article 370, enabling our voting rights in Jammu," stated Gandhi.

Gandhi further noted that the abrogation allows them to vote in panchayat elections and access government schemes previously unavailable to them. "The abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A is our independence day. We can now utilize all government schemes, unlike before when we only had ration cards," he added. Other residents expressed a desire to elect good leaders and improve their conditions.

The Election Commission of India has announced the poll dates for Jammu and Kashmir: September 18, September 25, and October 1, with counting on October 8.

(With inputs from agencies.)