Maqbool Bhat’s Native Village Records Heavy Turnout

Kupwara, Dec 2, KNT: Thregam in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, the native village of JKLF founder Muhammad Maqbool Bhat, witnessed brisk polling on Tuesday with voters indicating a strong preference for change in the constituency.

Large queues were seen outside polling stations in Boanpora and Sheikhpora areas of Thregam, while comparatively lower participation was reported from Maqbool Abad locality. Voters said they were keen to elect a representative who would address local development concerns which, according to them, remained neglected over the past several years.

Thregam falls within the Kupwara Assembly constituency, which has a sizeable electorate. Of nearly 5,000 registered voters in Thregam town, 2,985 cast their ballots. In Boanpora, 750 votes were polled out of 1,100, while Sheikhpora recorded 560 votes out of 870. Malikpora saw 567 votes polled out of 960, and Maqbool Abad recorded 613 votes out of 1,251.

The main contest in Kupwara is between sitting National Conference legislator Mir Saifullah, PDP candidate Fayaz Ahmad Mir and People’s Conference candidate Advocate Bashir Ahmad Dar.

Many voters said they opted for candidates they believed would be accessible and responsive to public grievances. Some indicated that participation in the electoral process was aimed at ensuring better roads, employment opportunities and improved basic services.

Observers noted that supporters of PDP and People’s Conference appeared more visible at polling stations in Thregam, while National Conference workers expressed confidence that the overall constituency trend would determine the outcome.

Polling across the constituency remained peaceful amid security arrangements. [KNT]