Kashmiri Pandits Vote for Hope and Homeland

Thousands of displaced Kashmiri Pandits cast their votes with the aspiration that the new government in Jammu and Kashmir will ensure their return to the Kashmir valley. Many express criticisms of past administrations and hope for rehabilitation, employment opportunities, and a stable government capable of addressing terrorism.

Thousands of displaced Kashmiri Pandits on Tuesday cast their vote once again, hoping the new government in Jammu and Kashmir will facilitate their return to the Kashmir valley. Seventy-six-year-old Badri Nath, a veteran voter, participated in the third and final phase of assembly polls with a hope for the restoration of his home.

Nath criticized past governments, including those led by Farooq Abdullah, Mufti Sayeed, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Omar Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti-BJP, for failing to address the rehabilitation issue. He further pointed out that successive Congress and BJP governments at the Centre did little to meet their demands.

Vikas Raina and his wife Jagriti, along with thousands of other displaced Kashmiri Pandits, voted with hopes for not only rehabilitation but also employment opportunities for the youth. Calls for immediate rehabilitation, job creation, and provision of land and loans were echoed by Raina and other community members.

(With inputs from agencies.)