What Do the Youth of Pulwama Think About Lok Sabha Elections?

The Quint reached the Pulwama district of South Kashmir to find out who will vote, who will not, and why? 

(Photo: The Quint)

Video Editor: Ashutosh Bhardwaj

Being dubbed as 'the place of terror' in various national media after the dastardly suicide attack that killed 40 CRPF jawans, Pulwama is battling with the 'terror' tag, and so is its youth.

The Quint reaches this district of South Kashmir to find out who will vote, who will not, and why?

“Leaders come to ask for votes, but they have not done anything so far – regardless of what party they are from, NC, PDP, or even the Congress.”

Shuja Sultan, Photojournalist

There is discontentment about the lack of development. Yet, some people are still hopeful.

“If these people (political leaders) work properly and if they work for everyone, then we will definitely vote.”

Mohammad Shakeeb, Student

Has the Pulwama attack changed the lives of Kashmiris?

“We faced many problems after the attack of 14 February. We have to stop for an hour or two when a convoy is on the road. Students who are going to school, people on their way to work, and even patients who need to reach hospitals have to wait and face such problems.”

Mohammad Shahid, Student

The issues of North Kashmir are different from those of South Kashmir. But after speaking to the youth of both places, we saw that young Kashmiris have lost faith in the political leadership. Employment and education are the common issues.

Will this election bring solutions and change? It’s a big question, but we urge them to go and vote.