Srinagar, Sep 14: With normalcy returning to Kashmir, political parties are once again conducting door-to-door campaigning across the valley, a practice largely halted after the 1990s due to security concerns.
In the past, election rallies were typically held in restricted areas, often marred by incidents of violence and stone pelting. Attacks on these rallies were not uncommon, forcing political candidates to address voters from a distance under tight security.
However, in this election, door-to-door campaigning has resumed in full force, marking a significant shift in the political landscape. Candidates are now reaching out to voters at their doorsteps, engaging with them on a personal level. After 1990, door-to-door campaigning was restricted to only some constituencies in Kashmir.
“We heaved a sigh of relief due to the restoration of normalcy. We can now move around without fear,” said a senior leader from the National Conference (NC).
“Earlier, it was impossible to visit sensitive areas like Downtown Srinagar or parts of South Kashmir. But things have changed dramatically.”
A leader from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who is currently campaigning in South Kashmir, echoed these sentiments.
“There were volatile areas in South Kashmir that were previously off-limits. In this election, leaders from all parties are freely holding rallies and visiting areas of their choice. Door-to-door campaigning is also being conducted without any fear,” he said.
Unlike earlier times, when candidates had to maintain a cautious distance from voters, they are now shaking hands, embracing supporters, and even sharing tea with them during their campaigns, even in regions that were once considered prone to violence.
Jammu and Kashmir is set to hold its first elections since becoming a Union Territory in 2019, and the first in over a decade. The elections will take place in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with vote counting scheduled for October 8. This marks the region’s return to political representation after the last assembly elections were held in 2014.
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