Budgam, Nov 11 (KNO): At the polling stations of Government Girls Higher Secondary School Narbal and Government Middle School Check Soibug in Budgam district, a strong voter turnout was recorded, particularly among women.
They said they were casting their ballots not just for a day’s verdict, but for their families’ future.
Shazia, a voter from Narbal, while standing in queue at the Higher Secondary School Narbal, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that she voted hoping her families members could find a job and stay instead of leaving home. “We want power that works, not smart meters that cost more and deliver less,” she said.
Another voter, Ruqaya, said they are tired of being ignored after every election. “We want opportunities, water, electricity and some relief. Our votes reflect that hope,” she added.
Women at the Government Middle School Check Soibug echoed similar concerns. Mehmooda, another voter, said, “I came out with my family to vote because we believe this time our voices will count and that our vote will mean jobs for our loved ones, lower electricity bills and that basic things will finally get fixed.”
Among the queues were young female voters who said they came out to vote for change. “We have voted before, but this time we are doing it with real hope for change,” one of them said.
It is worth mentioning that women voters were also seen turning out in good numbers across other parts of Budgam including Ompura, Main Town, Soibug, Nasrullah Pora and Narbal, where long queues of women were seen patiently waiting to cast their ballots—(KNO)