Trehgam turns a new leaf as former stone pelters queue up to vote

Trehgam, May 20: In a remarkable pivot from its past as a hotbed of stone pelting and poll boycotts, Trehgam witnessed an outpouring of enthusiasm on Monday as voters, especially youths previously involved in such activities, turned up at polling booths to exercise their franchise during the 5th phase of Lok Sabha elections for the Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency.
“I have a case registered against me for throwing stones, but this is the first time I’ve decided to vote,” said Junaid Ahmad, standing in a long queue of youngsters waiting to cast their ballots. Ahmad’s transformation mirrored that of many others around him who had cases lodged for similar offences but have now realized that shunning violence and embracing democracy is the way forward.

“Like me, there are several people around who have cases against them, but they too have realized that stone pelting and boycotts won’t end our miseries and sufferings. It is the vote that will help us come out of the depression by getting jobs, withdrawing our cases and resolving other issues,” Ahmad stated, his face beaming with the newfound hope of steering his life through democratic means.

“I got eligible to cast my vote for the first time in 2019, but then I preferred to boycott the polls. This is my first experience in casting the ballot. I am too excited to vote and support a candidate, who would at least raise voice in the parliament for the youngsters with regard to the jobs, cases registered against them and other day-by-day issues,” Ahmad said.

Junaid, who was accompanied by Sahil, his friend, also echoed similar views and stated that the vote has the power to end their sufferings, thus, “we opted to vote today to end our sufferings and hardships.”