Various low voter turnout constituencies to go to polls today

Ex-militants, former separatists in poll fray
Srinagar, Sep 24: In the second phase of the assembly elections, 15 constituencies in the Kashmir Valley will go to the polls on Wednesday.
Some of these constituencies, previously known for election boycotts and violence, are now witnessing growing excitement among residents eager to vote for the development of their respective areas. Even ex-militants and former separatists are also contesting polls.
Over 25.78 lakh voters will decide the fate of 239 candidates in the second phase of the general elections to the Legislative Assembly, scheduled for September 25.
This phase will cover 26 Assembly Constituencies (ACs) across six districts in Jammu and Kashmir, including Ganderbal, Srinagar, and Budgam in the Kashmir division, and Reasi, Rajouri, and Poonch in the Jammu region.
In the Kashmir division, 15 constituencies, spread across the three districts of Central Kashmir—Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Budgam—will be up for election. In the 2014 assembly elections, the NC and PDP each won seven seats in these constituencies, while one seat was claimed by an independent candidate.
Among these, some constituencies in Downtown Srinagar recorded around 25 percent voter turnout in the 2014 elections.
“The violence and stone-pelting only brought destruction. This time, we will come out to vote and choose a representative who will work for the welfare of the people,” said Farooq Ahmad, a resident of Khanyar.
When asked about the key issues in this election, he said, “Our area has remained underdeveloped. We have urgent issues like lack of electricity, water, drainage problems, and rampant unemployment.”
These seven constituencies are home to people involved in handicrafts, as well as street vendors and shopkeepers.
Abdul Majeed, a resident of Zadibal, regrets choosing his ancestral profession of weaving shawls. He explains that despite decades of hard work, he is struggling to survive, like many other artisans who earn meagre wages.
“Even after making shawls for the last 20 years, I earn only Rs 400 for working 10 hours a day. We artisans owe money to banks, but we can’t afford to repay our loans. We are struggling to make ends meet,” he said.
Residents in these areas are also demanding better playfields for the youth. “Our area is overcrowded. We need better playing fields for our young people. Additionally, there are FIRs against some youths who were involved in stone-pelting earlier. They now want to live peaceful lives, and we hope the next government will ensure that these FIRs are withdrawn,” said Ghulam Ahmad, a resident of Habba Kadal.

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