Scores of Kashmiri Pandits Disheartened as Names Missing from Voter Rolls in Jammu.

||Black and White Digital News||
||Parvinder Singh May 14,2024||

Jammu: Amid the bustling Lok Sabha elections, a wave of disappointment swept through Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu as scores found their names mysteriously absent from the voter rolls at special polling stations. Despite enduring the scorching heat and navigating stringent security measures, many returned home without casting their crucial vote.

“I came to the polling station with three members of my family to cast our votes despite such heat. We were shocked to find our names missing,” lamented one of the affected voters.

The displaced Kashmiri Pandits, separated from their ancestral homes and families due to the scourge of militancy and cross-border terrorism, had rallied in hope around polling stations, yearning for a future return to their native soil.

Speaking with sources, a determined migrant voter underscored the critical need for representation and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. “We need to make our votes count. Voting is the only way we can push forward with our demands for development, rehabilitation, and restoration of basic educational rights,” the voter emphasized.

Deepak Bhat, echoing the sentiments of many, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to vote, affirming a deep-seated desire to remain connected to their roots despite the irreparable scars of displacement. “Our votes will go a long way towards charting the country’s future,” he remarked.

While the Election Commission’s efforts in facilitating the voting process were appreciated, the absence of many names from the rolls underscored a poignant challenge for displaced communities seeking a voice in the democratic process.

The Election Commission, recognizing the significance of these votes, has set up special polling booths across the national capital, further illustrating the widespread impact of the Kashmiri Pandits’ plight on the electoral landscape.

In the battleground for the prestigious Srinagar seat, dominated by candidates from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference, the absence of major parties like BJP and Congress underscores the unique dynamics at play.

The aspirations and voices of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, as evidenced by their determined efforts to participate in this electoral process, highlight a broader narrative of resilience and hope for a future that includes a return to their cherished homeland.
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