Samba (Jammu)

The refugees from West Pakistan have expressed happiness at getting the opportunity to vote for the first time since India gained independence

Notably, this is the first assembly election in the erstwhile state following the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A).

Speaking to ANI, the President of the West Pakistani Refugees Association, Labha Ram Gandhi, said that it was a very happy moment for the people of the West Pakistani Refugees and expressed his gratitude toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

“It is a very happy moment for the people of the West Pakistan refugees. After 75 years of independence, we will be able to vote in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly. Earlier, we used to get kicked out and called Pakistani whenever we used to go for voting. I want to thank the Indian PM and Home Minister for the abrogation of Article 370, because of which we are getting voting rights in Jammu for the first time," Gandhi stated.

"Now after that, we can also vote in the panchayat election, or else earlier we used to be called second class citizens...The day of the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A is the day of our independence...Earlier, none of the government schemes weren't utilised by us apart from the ration card, but now we can utilise all the government schemes like 'Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao'," Gandhi added.

Another resident of the region who will be casting their vote for the first time said they want to elect a good leader for the UT.

"We want a good leader. Since 1947, we have been wronged; there is nothing in our name. Earlier, when we used to go to any office, we were told to leave, saying that we were Pakistanis. Now, after the abrogation of Article 370, we got a position in the tehsil, but still, there is no improvement," he said.

"We are feeling very good...We will push for the one who will help us...This is the first time we will vote for the first time. I have never voted, and I will choose a leader who will help to get our demands fulfilled," he added.

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Earlier, the Election Commission of India announced the election dates for Jammu and Kashmir in three phases. The polling dates are September 18, September 25 and October 1, with counting to be held on October 8.