Despite none of the six candidates contesting from the Pahalgam Assembly seat actively seeking his vote, 61-year-old ex-serviceman Triloki Nath Bhat made his way to a special polling booth for Kashmiri Pandit migrants in Jagti Township, just outside Jammu, braving the scorching heat on Wednesday.

“I have no expectations from any government,” Bhat stated, reflecting a deep-seated sense of disillusionment. “No one has considered our needs for the past 35 years. The party that wins these elections will likely do nothing for us and will merely exploit the suffering of migrant Kashmiri Pandits for political gain.”

His sentiment is shared by many in the community, who feel overlooked in the political landscape. For Bhat, casting his vote is more than just a civic duty; it’s an act of defiance against years of neglect. Many Kashmiri Pandits, despite their grievances, view participation in the electoral process as a way to make their voices heard, even if they feel their options are limited.

As the voting unfolds, the atmosphere is charged with both hope and skepticism. While Bhat and others like him may feel abandoned, their presence at the polls signals a resilience and a desire for change, even amidst their frustrations.