As voting was under way for the first phase of the Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, many first-time voters expressed hope for a change, particularly in addressing key issues such as unemployment and regional development.

After a decade without elections, young voters in constituencies like Kulgam are casting their ballots with excitement, eager to see new leadership that prioritises their concerns.

Aryan Jamwal (22), a first-time voter from Kulgam constituency expressed his expectations from the leader he voted for. “This is my first opportunity to vote in an election, and we are voting for the party we believe can bring change — one that will create employment and work towards development in our region,” he said.