Historic Participation of Valmikis, West Pakistani Refugees, and Gorkhas in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024
Valmikis, West Pakistani refugees, and Gorkhas voted for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir elections for the first time
Valmikis, West Pakistani refugees, and Gorkhas participate in Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections for first time
In a significant development for democracy in Jammu and Kashmir, members of the Valmiki community, West Pakistani refugees, and the Gorkha community participated in the assembly elections for the first time in 2024. This historic moment marks a turning point for these groups, who have long been denied the right to vote and engage in the electoral process.
Comprising over 1.5 lakh individuals, these communities from Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts have mobilized to exercise their franchise in electing their representatives. Traditionally, West Pakistani refugees, mainly Hindus and Sikhs who fled from Pakistan during the 1947 partition, were only allowed to vote in Lok Sabha elections. However, following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, their political status has changed, enabling greater participation in local governance.
The Valmikis, brought to Jammu and Kashmir in 1957 from Punjab’s Gurdaspur district for sanitation work, are particularly elated. Gharu Bhati, a first-time voter at 45, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, It is like a big festival for us. He has worked tirelessly for over 15 years to secure citizenship rights for his community. Bhati noted the significant turnout of voters ranging from ages 18 to 80, highlighting the generational impact of previously denied voting rights.
In 2020, these communities first participated in the District Development Council (DDC) elections, a precursor to their involvement in the assembly elections. The revocation of Article 370 not only granted them voting rights but also allowed them to purchase land, apply for jobs, and pursue diverse livelihoods.
Bhati articulated the newfound aspirations within the community, saying, Today, we are voting. Tomorrow we will represent our people. This marks the beginning of a new era in our lives.He emphasized the shift in perspective for individuals who once viewed scavenging as their only option, now envisioning themselves as potential MLAs or ministers.
The Gorkha community, whose ancestors migrated from Nepal to serve in the Dogra Army, is also celebrating their opportunity to vote. With over 2,000 members residing in Gorkha Nagar, their excitement is palpable. Karuna Chhetri, president of the All J&K Gorkha Sabha, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the transformative decision to revoke Article 370, stating, We are now citizens of Jammu and Kashmir and have been granted all rights.
This participation in the assembly elections symbolizes a new chapter for these communities, who are eager to voice their concerns and contribute to the region’s democratic process
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