West Pakistani Refugees Vote for the First Time in Jammu and Kashmir After 75 Years
West Pakistani refugees in Jammu and Kashmir flocked to polling stations to vote for the first time in the J&K assembly elections. This historic moment came after they gained citizenship following the abrogation of Article 370, which they termed as a gift from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The third and final phase of polling is underway in 40 constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir. Pictures showed the West Pakistani community in Jammu celebrating and dancing as they exercised their right to vote.
Voices from the Community
In Jammu’s RS Pura, a West Pakistani refugee expressed his joy, saying, “After 75 years, we are getting the chance to vote for the first time in the Assembly elections. There was no democracy prior to this with us.” He added, “Whenever elections were conducted, our neighbours would go and cast their vote and we used to sit at home. I am thankful to the government for solving this issue. Today, our youth are casting their votes by dancing and celebrating. It is our first vote since we came here in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Another refugee shared similar sentiments, “Celebrations are being held as we West Pakistani refugee community is going to cast a vote for the first time. Our people have never voted before this. It is a gift from our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.” He added, “We will vote in large numbers. We will ensure victory for our representative by sending him to the Assembly with a huge mandate.”
Election Details
This is the first election in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. Leaders have held hectic campaigns to boost the prospects of their party candidates. At least 415 candidates are contesting in the third phase. The National Conference (NC) and the Congress have formed an alliance for these elections, while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are among the other major contenders.
The counting of votes will take place on October 8.
Doubts Revealed
West Pakistani Refugees -: These are people who moved from West Pakistan (now Pakistan) to India during the partition in 1947. They settled in Jammu and Kashmir but didn’t have the same rights as other citizens until recently.
Jammu and Kashmir -: This is a region in northern India. It used to have special status under the Indian Constitution but now is like any other state or union territory in India.
Article 370 -: This was a part of the Indian Constitution that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. It was removed in 2019, making the region more integrated with the rest of India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi -: He is the current Prime Minister of India. He and his government made the decision to remove Article 370.
J&K assembly elections -: These are elections to choose representatives for the legislative assembly of Jammu and Kashmir. It’s like choosing leaders for the state government.
National Conference -: This is a political party in Jammu and Kashmir. They participate in elections to represent people’s interests.
Congress -: This is one of the oldest political parties in India. They also participate in elections to represent people’s interests.
PDP -: This stands for People’s Democratic Party, another political party in Jammu and Kashmir.
BJP -: This stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, a major political party in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a member of this party.
Counting of votes -: This is the process where officials count all the votes cast in the election to see who won.
