Mendhar (Poonch), September 25: An octogenarian Kashmiri man not only cast his vote but planted a sapling near a polling station ahead of the vote on Wednesday, making a strong case for democracy in the conflict-torn region.
Accompanied by his family, 83-year-old Akbar Khan cast his vote in Mendal Border Constituency in Poonch District. But not before doing so, in a humble gesture, he urged young people to exercise their rights.
“Everyone should vote as it is our right. Young people should vote and choose a good candidate. The government should serve the public sincerely,” Khan said after the vote.
To make his point, Khan also eschewed “vote at home” facilities, opting to walk to the polling station.
Voting began at 7 am in 26 constituencies under tight security.
Khan’s vote will help decide the fate of National Conference candidate Javed Rana, People’s Democratic Party advocate Nadeem Rafiq Khan and Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Murtaza Khan, who are vying for the post In the triangular contest for the Mendal seat.
North Carolina has historically held the seat, winning it in 1987, 1996, 2002 and 2014.
The second phase of the assembly elections covers six districts – three in the Valley and three in Jammu district.
At this stage, there are 93 candidates in Srinagar district, 46 candidates in Badgam district, 34 candidates in Rajouri district, 25 candidates in Poonch district and 21 candidates in Ganderbal district candidates, and there are 20 candidates in Rexi District.
Key leaders whose fate will be decided in this phase include former chief minister Omar Abdullah, JKPCC president Tariq Hamid Kalla and BJP J&K president Ravinder Raina.
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