The historic clock tower of Lal Chowk in Kashmir was as soon as an emblem of separatist ideology, usually surrounded by fences and guarded by quite a few safety personnel day and night time.
Nevertheless, the scene has modified dramatically. With the parliamentary elections looming, Lal Chowk was abuzz at this time with Kashmiri children, because the district election officer organized an election consciousness program titled “My Vote, My Satisfaction.” The goal was to elucidate the significance of voting, significantly to first-time voters on this election.
Whereas Kashmir has traditionally witnessed boycott calls and strikes throughout elections, at this time noticed the lively participation of dozens of younger girls and boys on this election nukkad. These youths view voting as their energy, believing that with the best info, their vote will likely be forged for the best candidate, steering the nation in the best course.
Malika, a younger girl, emphasised, “Voting empowers us, and the federal government has given us the authority to vote. We should always train this proper. We’ll vote for candidates who’re sincere and dedicated to the prosperity of Kashmir.”
Beforehand, Kashmir was closely guarded by safety personnel throughout elections, with separatists calling for strikes to boycott the electoral course of. Nevertheless, with the current peace and improvement initiatives within the valley, there’s rising curiosity among the many populace, particularly the youth and girls, in understanding and collaborating within the democratic course of.
Muhammad Burhan, a younger voter, careworn, “It is essential for first-time voters to know the worth of their votes. Each vote counts, and voting proper can propel the nation ahead. Applications like these assist folks understand their energy.”
To additional foster consciousness, the Election Fee has initiated election nukkad applications at busy locations in each district of Kashmir. These initiatives goal to teach the general public, particularly the youth, concerning the significance of voting.
Zainab Zahir, a voter, asserted, “This consciousness program is important. It ought to be carried out in all places so even the illiterate turn into conscious of voting. It is vital that everybody votes.”
In collaboration with district officers, the Election Fee is organizing such applications throughout Kashmir, concentrating on areas with giant youth populations.
Dr. Bilal Mahudin Bhat, Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, acknowledged, “We organized this program at historic Lal Chowk to focus on younger voters and guarantee they perceive the significance of voting. We goal to extend voter turnout, particularly among the many youth, as they’re the important thing to strengthening democracy.”
Within the final Lok Sabha elections, solely 13% voting happened in Srinagar, prompting the administration to run consciousness campaigns to enhance voter participation. Avenue performs involving younger voters had been organized in Srinagar to assist them perceive the importance of their vote and make knowledgeable selections when choosing their representatives.
