India General Elections 2024: Locals in J&K's border villages vote peacefully amid ceasefire

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Only metres from the Line of Control (LoC), the villages of Sehar and Makri in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district saw enthusiastic voting for the India General Elections 2024, free of the threat of cross-border fire.

The Anantnag parliamentary constituency includes Rajouri and Poonch, which are located south of the Pir Panjal range. Mehbooba Mufti, the PDP president and former chief minister, is one of 20 candidates running for this constituency. Other significant candidates include Mian Altaf of the National Conference, Zafar Iqbal Khan Manhas of the Apni Party, which is sponsored by the BJP, DPAP leader Mohamad Saleem Parray, and ten independents, reported PTI.

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"This time around, voting is taking place quietly, with no fear of shelling. We have endured the worst as a result of Pakistani shelling, and we hope that this peaceful situation continues," said Ved Prakash, a Makri village resident, after voting in the sixth phase of India General Elections 2024.

According to the report, a fresh truce between India and Pakistan, beginning February 25, 2021, has brought much-needed relief to border inhabitants. Authorities established 19 border polling stations along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch for India General Elections 2024, with a backup plan in place for possible cross-border shelling.

"We are seeing substantial development in our areas that were heavily damaged by shelling. "The government has also provided us with underground bunkers for safety," Prakash said.

By 1 pm, the Nowshera assembly sector had recorded 47.31% turnout. By 1 pm, 35.22 per cent of the 18.36 lakh eligible voters in the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency had voted. This constituency includes 18 segments in Anantnag, Kulgam, and Shopian in South Kashmir, as well as Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu, the report added.

Prakash stated that the dread of Pakistani bombardment had subsided long ago. "Today, we are voting for a government that will address our issues like road connectivity and better school facilities for our children," he stated. "We want a government that ensures we live peacefully, without the fear of shelling, and continues developmental activities for border residents."

Gorakh Nath, a government teacher and Booth Level Officer, reported moderate to brisk polling in the sixth phase of the India General Elections 2024 since morning, citing the tranquil climate. "This is an unusual polling station with underground bunkers. People have been queuing up to vote," he explained.

Sunil Choudhary, a previous sarpanch, emphasised the village's water scarcity issue and the necessity for government assistance. "Border settlements face distinct issues that require appropriate attention. "We stand shoulder to shoulder with our soldiers guarding the borders," he stated.

Neesha, a student and first-time voter, expressed joy in exercising her political privilege during India General Elections 2024. "I voted for my country's general progress and a strong government. "The cease-fire has allowed us to concentrate on our studies like any other student," she explained.

Dewan Chand further mentioned that pupils often had to go through jungles to complete their studies after Class 10. "We need a higher secondary school and proper road connectivity so that our children can continue their studies without any problem," he stated.