Impact of Article 370 Removal: See Who’s Voting in J&K

For the first time in history, West Pakistan refugees, Valmikis, and Gorkhas in Jammu & Kashmir exercised their right to vote after the removal of Article 370. Approximately 150,000 people who had been denied their fundamental rights for over 70 years cast their votes in the Assembly elections on Tuesday.

“This is our day of freedom. It’s an opportunity we had only dreamed of,” one voter said. This marks the beginning of a new era for millions who had long been excluded from political representation.

West Pakistan refugees celebrated the event with sweets, expressing joy and relief. “I am 50 years old, and this is my first time voting,” shared a refugee proudly.

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, refugee leader Labha Ram Gandhi said, “The abrogation of Article 370 has given us citizenship, and today we are participating in J&K Assembly elections for the first time.”

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

See Full Bio