NVI Special Correspondent
Jammu, Oct 01(NVI): For them joy had no limit as they cast the ballot for the first time after independence despite living here for the past seven decades. They are no other than West Pakistan Refugees (WPRs), Valmikis and Gorkhas, who were given voting rights by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government post abrogation of Article 370.
Mohan Singh Bhatti, 76, a WPR said it was first his father and then he, who have been fighting for the voting rights and citizenship status. “There was a barrier in the shape of Article 370 and Article 35 A. Today, we are voting after 70 years and right at the zero line,” said Bhatti.He said his is voting to see the PM Modi’s vision about WPRs get fulfilled. “PM Modi has promised the permanent settlement of WPRs besides providing us separate accommodation,” Bhatti said.
Apart from the WPRs, Valmikis are another section that were upbeat about casting votes today. “We were deprived of the voting rights since past seven decades. Today, our joy has no end and its not less than a Diwali for us,’ said Sanjay Kumar. He said that they want permanent settlement as they are living a miserable life.
“Casting votes will be first step towards having our own houses. We want our children to vote too and get quality education. Article 35 A was related to state subject law and only J&K residents were supposed to vote, today that condition is over,” he said.
Preeti Sharma, who represented Gorkha Samaj said she is casting the vote for the first time in her life. “I am feeling happy to cast vote for the first time and want to continue with it. We should be treated at par. Despite spending our life in Jammu, we were not able to vote for our candidates,” she said.
The people belonging to three categories, Valmikis, Gorkhas and WPRs also distributed sweets and congratulated each other after casting votes first time after Independence. Their main demand is to have permanent houses, jobs for youth, education for children besides, proper roads, transport and water connections. (News Vibes of India)
