Owais Gul
Srinagar, May 13: In the hilly terrains of Srinagar outskirts, nearly 900 households have never opted to boycott in the past several decades, but have always turned up at the polling stations to cast their ballot and elect their representative.
Similarly, since the wee hours today (May 13), Fakeer Gujri, located over 22 kilometers away from Srinagar’s busiest place—Lal Chowk, has once again witnessed the enthusiasm amongst the voters, who believe that staying away from the polls, is tantamount to give away from your rights.
Two parallel lines were witnessed outside the polling booth in the locality, where the males in left and females in left were seen waiting for their turn to cast their ballot.
It is not for the first time that the polling station, set up at Government Middle School, Fakeer Gujri has witnessed the massive turnout, but the people living in the area have always preferred to elect their candidates by casting ballots.
Some among them, who have never boycotted, were also present at the polling station. Muhammad Israeel Bajran and Gulla Badana were the elderly amongst all, who were 85 and 95 years old respectively.
“Since we have grown up and become eligible to vote. We have never wasted our right, but always preferred to elect our candidates,” the duo said.
Bajran said that he doesn’t even remember the number of times he turned up to cast his ballot, but it is a fact that he has never wasted the vote. “I believe that staying away from the elections is tantamount to giving away our rights,” Bajran said.
However, he stated that “by casting the ballots amidst the boycott calls, we gave respect to every person, but we were not respected as per our expectations. In response to our votes, we should have got quality education, better roads, but unfortunately, we are witnessing a hike in the monthly tariff by almost 500 per cent. Besides, we don’t have jobs here. Our educated youth are struggling to earn their livelihood,” Bajran said.
Nazir Ahmad Khatana, also present at the polling booth, said that the educated youth continue to struggle to find jobs. “Despite pursuing higher degrees, our beloved are finding it tough to serve in the offices and are being forced to work as labourers,” Khatana said.
Khatana was waiting for the turn to cast his 8th vote of his life.
Similarly, Muhammad Rafiq Khatana, who turned up at the polling station in the locality, also echoed the similar views, but said this time, the vote is for putting an end to the exaggerated power bills, better roads, water supply and quality education. “We want that our vote helps the larger cause of putting an end to the sufferings of the poor people,” Khatana said.
