With the assembly around the corner, political parties have started their campaigns to lure voters. On one hand, political parties in Jammu and Kashmir are making big promises like restoration of statehood, fighting for Article 370, free electricity, and free gas cylinders for the poor.
At the same time, they are promising to release people detained under PSA and UAPA, followed by providing jobs for youth if elected to power.
Although prices rise, health services, jobs, better infrastructure, education, and social justice are some rights that political parties promise in every election and people demand before going to polling booths.
However, the upcoming elections in J&K are posing serious challenges to the political parties as they find it hard to convince voters. Each constituency is becoming important for every political party fighting in the elections.
The remote border valley of Gurez, which has 22,102 voters, has increased its long-standing demand for an all-weather tunnel to connect it to the rest of the region.
“We are frustrated with being cut off from the valley and the world every winter." Our demand is all-weather connectivity. We have raised our demands in front of every office; unfortunately, there is either negative or no response from the officials,” said one of the locals while talking to reporters.
Over the years, NC has claimed the seat almost uncontested, as political parties refrained from making inroads into this NC-dominated, small but important constituency.
The locals on several occasions have made it clear that the weather tunnel is the most important issue for them in the upcoming elections, and they will vote only on the tunnel issue.
Gurez Valley remains cut from the Kashmir valley from early November to April due to heavy snowfall on the Razdan Pass, which affects every aspect of life in Gurez. Arshid Ahmad, while registering his grievance, said, “Every election, they come with promises, but once the elections are over, we are forgotten.”
“This time, we want a commitment, not just words.” The issue of connectivity has plagued Gurez for decades,” he added.
The valley has recently become a very important offbeat tourist destination for domestic and international travellers. However, the real potential of the Gurez remains hidden due to the closure of the roads.
Recently, the Tourism Department has also taken several initiatives to boost tourism in the area and to support local youth associated with it.
Irshad Ahmad, another local, while talking to reporters, said, “The tunnel would not only change our lives but also bring prosperity to Gurez.” As election fever grips J&K, political parties are making rounds in Gurez, but locals are clear: the tunnel is non-negotiable.
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