Srinagar, Sep 17: The four districts of south Kashmir are set to go to the polls on Wednesday, with all arrangements in place. It is expected that voter turnout in this assembly election will be higher than in previous years.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), residents from various areas of south Kashmir said their primary concern is the rising unemployment, which they believe needs urgent attention. They said they will vote with the hope that whoever wins will address this issue by creating more employment opportunities.
Owais Ahmad, a resident of Shopian district, said candidates must focus on population-friendly policies, particularly aimed at controlling the rising costs of essential commodities such as electricity and cooking gas.
“Shopian district has significant tourism potential, with places like Dubjan, Peer ki Gali, Keller and Lahanthora, which, if developed, could generate employment opportunities and boost revenue,” he said.
Locals across south Kashmir echoed similar views. They urged the new government to promote tourism while also focusing on the horticulture sector, which is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy. They called for a ban on the import of apples from other countries and the immediate introduction of a crop insurance scheme.
The residents said there is a need to control pests such as leaf miners and combat the spread of fake pesticides that are prevalent in the market. Irrigation facilities must be improved for the entire horticulture industry, they said.
Yasir Ahmad, a first-time voter from Pulwama, said he is voting with the hope that jobs and land in Jammu & Kashmir will be reserved for its residents. “Unemployment has surged over the past five years and there is a pressing need for more job creation, as highly qualified youth are now sitting idle and facing mental health challenges due to the lack of opportunities,” he said.
Other residents said the saffron industry, which is concentrated in south Kashmir, requires urgent attention. They expressed hope that the new government will take steps to support it.
Although infrastructure improvements, such as roads and water supply, have continued without a popular government in place, many believe that elected representatives must adopt a broader vision to tackle the growing problems of inflation and unemployment.
Residents also called for the need for job and land security, which they feel has been jeopardised in recent years. They remain hopeful that the elected representatives will “truly work” for the welfare of the public, as many of the promises made so far have not been fulfilled on the ground—(KNO)
