Kupwara, Oct 1: The residents of India’s first polling station, located near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Teethwal area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, on Tuesday gathered at the polling station to advocate for better basic amenities, which they have been struggling for over the past several decades.
When asked about his motivation to vote, a local resident expressed that their village has been grappling with a lack of basic amenities, resulting in severe hardships for over seven hundred residents.
“We have been suffering due to water scarcity in our village. The macadamization of our roads seems like a distant dream, as we have been moving from pillar to post to have our genuine grievances addressed, but to no avail,” said Mohammad Ramzan, a local resident.
Some voters complained about the inadequate health facilities available in their village. “Even the health center lacks proper services, and the absence of free medicines adds to the woes of the general public,” he added.
Residents expressed their frustration with the deceptive politics of various political parties over the years. “Before elections, different political parties assure us of better facilities, but every time those assurances and promises turn out to be a hoax,” said a local youth.
With 423 votes, the village hopes for improved facilities after the name of their MLA is disclosed on October 8.