Baramulla: In North Kashmir, a procession of vehicles — colourful tractors, bikes, autos, and tempos overflowing with people — is led by youngsters on foot, fervently chanting slogans, singing and brandishing posters.
The procession draws the gaze of countless bystanders, and as it proceeds towards Beerwah in Budgam, going to polls on 20 May, it swells as more individuals join the throng.
This political rally is not led by any popular face but by 23-year-old Abrar Rashid, son of Sheikh Abdul Rashid — popularly known as Engineer Rashid — a jailed independent candidate contesting in the Parliamentary election from North Kashmir, a region plagued by militancy and political dormancy for years.
In Kashmir, the prevailing sentiment isn’t boycotting election or demanding secession from India. Instead, the youth, especially first-time voters, are actively participating in the democratic process. Their aim: to ensure the election of a Kashmiri leader to Parliament, who can be their voice and advocate for the region’s interests and concerns.
Abrar, an MSc student, says he never anticipated that his campaign efforts for his father, lodged in Tihar in a case of terror funding, would get such overwhelming support just through using social media.
The Baramulla seat, which historically has been dominated by the National Conference (NC), has Omar Abdullah as its candidate this time, supported by the Congress. This election, however, appears to be a tough fight with Engineer Rashid, also called the “voice of Kashmir”, emerging as a prominent contender, especially among youth.
ThePrint’s National Photo Editor Praveen Jain captures glimpses from Abrar Rashid’s rally for his father.
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