In J&K’s DDC elections, scores of senior citizens cast vote; reinforce faith in democracy

New Delhi: After the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, first-ever elections to District Development Councils (DDCs) are being held in the valley in 8 phases.

The elections, which was initially opposed tooth and nail by Gupkar Alliance as well as separatists have been widely welcomed by the valley residents.

For the fourth consecutive phase of elections today, the valley residents turned up in hordes to exercise their franchise in the DDC elections.

Among the voters are many senior citizens who have taken extra effort to go to polling stations and cast their vote. Octogenerians and nonagenerians could be seen casting their ballot.

Lo and Behold!
The wisest and the eldest Jana Begum, 110 years old, casts her vote in DDC Elections at Rishipura, Qaziabad, Handwara.

“Age doesn’t matter, what matters is the vote for the future.”#Kashmir #DDCElections2020@adgpi @NorthernComd_IA pic.twitter.com/rFbTrbI3sE

— Chinar Corps? – Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) December 7, 2020

Abdul Gani Magrey 90 years old casting his vote at Pazipura Polling Station, Kupwara pic.twitter.com/qtqgO7fYsF

— Chinar Corps? – Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) December 7, 2020

Abdul Gani Magrey 90 years old casting his vote at Pazipura Polling Station, Kupwara pic.twitter.com/qtqgO7fYsF

— Chinar Corps? – Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) December 7, 2020

Vote by Fazi Begum, 85 years old from Manzpura, Qalamabad, Handwara pic.twitter.com/U9XC9CafDL

— Chinar Corps? – Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) December 7, 2020

Jana Begum 85 years old cast her vote at Arampora Polling Station, Kupwara pic.twitter.com/o2QmrW6CUs

— Chinar Corps? – Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) December 7, 2020

Jana Begum 85 years old cast her vote at Arampora Polling Station, Kupwara pic.twitter.com/o2QmrW6CUs

— Chinar Corps? – Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) December 7, 2020

78-year-old Deaf woman named Zona Begum proudly casted her vote at Drugmulla, Kupwara. pic.twitter.com/1OtITmfwMV

— Chinar Corps? – Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) December 7, 2020

This is nothing less celebration of democracy but also reinforcement of people’s faith in democratic values.

The senior citizens who participated in today’s elections felt elated over exercising their demographic right. They also said participation in the democratic process was their duty.

DDC elections are being held in 8 phase, with 4 phases of polling coming to end today. The results will be announced by December 26.