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| West Pakistani refugee bridegroom casts vote, says didn't want to miss chance | | | Early Times Report
Akhnoor, Nov 28: Abridegroom cast his vote at a polling station in Akhnoor block here as voters’ enthusiasm marked the end of first phase of polling in the historic District Development Council (DDC) elections in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. Clad in his wedding attire with a sword in right hand and money garlands hanging from his neck, 27-year-old Mangat Ram exercised his franchise at Kot Ghari polling station. He said he did not want to miss the chance as it was after 73 years that his community was exercising their franchise in the local elections.
Ram is a member of West Pakistani refugees who along with Valmikis and Gurkhas have become eligible to vote in local elections, purchase land and apply for jobs in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 last year. “This is a historic day for us and how could I have missed such an opportunity,” the groom told reporters outside the polling station while showing indelible mark on his left hand finger.
He was accompanied by several of his relatives including women and children before he entered the polling station and exercised his newly acquired right to vote. “Our elders died waiting for this historic day over the past seven decades. I am feeling happy to be alive to see this happening finally,” Ram said. |
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