Some 20, some 55, all voting for the first time

Shabir Ahmad Dar, 27, of Tulmulla village in Ganderbal said he voted to register his anger against the National Conference. “I had never voted in my life, but since our MLA who was also chief minister didn’t gave much attention to our area, I voted to ensure his party doesn’t win again,” he said, adding that they don’t have roads and basic facilities.

Mohammed Ayoub, 34, of Malangam village in Bandipore said villagers have raised funds to support a local candidate. “All parties, once they come to power, forget the people,” said Ayoub, also among the first-timers. “All the youth here decided to extend their support to a local candidate.”

Aseem Ahmad, an HS student in Safapora of Sonawari, said he voted to bring in change. “Our present MLA never came to our area. Today, along with my friends, I voted against him.”

At Baba Nagri in Kangan, Aziz Ahmad Khan said he and his family voted for the first time to change the system. “If I don’t vote today, we will have to tolerate corrupt leaders for another six years.”

Khan said the turnout doesn’t mean that, however, people here are against the pro-azadi movement.