West Pakistani refugees flock polling stations in Jammu

RS Pura (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], October 1 (ANI): West Pakistani refugees on Tuesday flocked to polling stations to exercise their right to vote after gaining their citizenship following the abrogation of Article 370, terming it a gift from the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The third and final phase of polling is underway in the 40 constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pictures showed the West Pakistani community settled in Jammu celebrating and dancing as they exercised their right to vote for the first time in the J&K assembly elections.

In Jammu’s RS Pura, a West Pakistani refugee told ANI, “After 75 years, we are getting the chance to vote for the first time in the Assembly elections. There was no democracy prior to this with us (never participated in elections).”

“Whenever elections were conducted, our neighbours would go and cast their vote and we used to sit at home. I am thankful to the government for solving this issue.

Today, our youth are casting their votes by dancing and celebrating. It is our first vote since we came here in Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.

Another Pakistani refugee told ANI, “Celebrations are being held as we West Pakistani refugee community is going to cast a vote for the first time. Our people have never voted before this. It is a gift from our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.”

“We will vote in large numbers. We will ensure victory for our representative by sending him to the Assembly with a huge mandate, ” he added.

This is the first election in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. Leaders have held hectic campaigns to boost the prospects of their party candidates.

At least 415 candidates are contesting in the third phase.

The National Conference (NC) and the Congress have formed an alliance for these elections, while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are among the other major contenders

The counting of votes will take place on October 8