SRINAGAR: Kashmiri Pandit migrant voters came out in good numbers in different parts of Jammu on Monday to cast their votes for the Srinagar constituency, which went to polls in the 4th phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with over 38 percent of voters exercising their right to franchise.
According to data, 16,338 KP electorates were eligible to cast their votes for the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat.
The Election Commission of India had set up 23 polling stations, including two auxiliary polling stations, across Jammu district for the migrant population.
Out of these total electorates, 6,327 KP migrant voters, including 3,227 males and 2,672 females, exercised their franchise.
“I had to wait for almost an hour in the queue in the morning to cast my vote. People were enthusiastic about this election, but there was disappointment as many couldn’t vote due to non-availability of their names in the voting list,” said Sumit, a KP voter who voted in the Chinore area of Jammu.
Since the morning, when polling commenced at 7 am, there has been a notable turnout of voters, taking advantage of the cooler temperatures during the early hours.
“We are voting so that our issues and concerns regarding the return to the Kashmir Valley and resettlement in our homeland are sped up. This has remained our long-pending demand, and we are waiting for the parties who can fulfill this,” said Sheetal Bhat, a KP voter originally from the Habbakadal area of Srinagar.
From Jagti to Purkhoo, Rehari to Miran Sahib, ECI had established polling stations. However, many people complained of not having their names on the voters’ list and had to return without casting their votes. There was chaos at polling stations like Chinore and a few other places where people complained of not finding their names in the list due to one reason or another.
“We had filled the M-form and provided all the details, but our names were found incorrect, due to which we were not allowed to vote,” said Usha Bhat, another voter.
A few KP voters were of the opinion that compared to 2019, things had improved a lot, and the number of voters had increased compared to previous elections—(KNO)
