Historic Assembly Elections Allow West Pakistan Refugees, Valmikis, and Gorkhas to Vote for First Time

Tuesday marks a significant day for the West Pakistan Refugees, Valmikis, and Gorkha communities in Jammu and Kashmir. These groups, long considered outsiders, are voting in the assembly elections for the first time. This event is monumental for those who have lacked political representation for over seven decades.

These communities, numbering over 1.5 lakh people, reside mainly in Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts. They are now actively participating in the electoral process to elect MLAs. Candidates are engaging with these areas more than ever before. This shift marks a new era of political involvement for these communities.

Historic Voting Rights

Labha Ram Gandhi, president of the West Pakistan Refugees Action Committee, expressed disbelief and joy at finally being able to vote. "After residing in Jammu and Kashmir for the past 75 years as unwanted citizens, we are finally participating in the assembly elections for the first time in history. It is a dream come true for us," he said.

The refugee leader will cast his vote at Nundpur polling station in Samba. Although no community member is contesting this time, they support those who have changed their fate in the region. Gandhi credits the prime minister and home minister for revoking Article 370, enabling them to become citizens and voters.

Impact of Article 370 Abrogation

The abrogation of Article 370 and 35A granted these communities citizenship rights in Jammu and Kashmir. They now enjoy voting rights, employment opportunities, professional education access, and land ownership privileges. In July, the administration decided to grant proprietary rights of state land allocated to West Pakistan Refugee families during their resettlement after 1947.

West Pakistan refugees celebrated by exchanging sweets in Chakra and Chabay Chak in Samba and Jammu districts ahead of voting day. After casting their votes, they plan to gather in large numbers in R S Pura to commemorate this historic occasion.

Valmiki Community's New Opportunities

The Valmiki Dalits were brought to Jammu and Kashmir from Punjab's Gurdaspur district in 1957 for sanitation work. Previously deprived of voting rights due to lack of a state subject certificate, they will also vote for the first time on Tuesday. Approximately 12,000 members live in substandard conditions in Gandhi Nagar and Dogra Hall areas.

With Article 370's removal, both West Pakistan Refugees and Valmikis can now purchase land, apply for jobs, and even contest elections. The Valmiki community hopes to advocate for better housing, education, and employment opportunities with their newfound voting rights.

Gorkha Community's Excitement

The Gorkha community in Gorkha Nagar shares similar excitement as they prepare to vote for the first time. Their ancestors migrated from Nepal decades ago to serve alongside the former Dogra Army. Today, many families still have at least one war veteran among them.

"We express our gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji and Home Minister Amit Shah ji for transforming our fortunes here," said Karuna Chhetri, president of All J&K Gorkha Sabha. "Thanks to their bold decision to revoke Article 370, we are now citizens of J&K and have been granted all rights."

This election marks a turning point for these communities as they embrace their new status as citizens with full rights. The opportunity to vote represents not only a political milestone but also a step towards greater integration into society.