Decades of exclusion end as 10,000 Valmikis prepare to vote

Historic moment for Valmikis as J&K elections signal new chapter of empowerment

JAMMU: The upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections are poised to be a landmark event, not just for the political and security scenario, but also for transforming the social dynamics of the region.
For the first time, about 350 families from the Valmiki community will cast their vote. These families had long been deprived of basic rights under Articles 370 and 35A, which previously governed the region’s legal framework.
In 1957, the ancestors of these Valmiki families were brought to Jammu from Punjab by the then-government to work as sanitation workers during an epidemic. Despite their essential services, they were denied permanent resident status and, as a result, barred from voting and other rights enjoyed by the local population.
For decades, the Valmikis lived as second-class citizens, disenfranchised and unable to fully participate in the democratic process.
This exclusion came to an end in 2019 when Article 370 was revoked, dismantling the legal barriers that kept the Valmikis on the margins. In 2020, domicile certificates were issued to them, finally granting them full citizenship rights.
Now, around 10,000 members of the community will participate in the assembly elections for the first time, marking a pivotal moment in their history.
Leaders like Gharu Bhatti, President of the Valmiki Samaj, have expressed their immense gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making this change possible. Voting is just one of the new rights the community has gained.
Previously, Valmiki children were unable to apply for government jobs due to the lack of Permanent Resident Certificates (PRC). This led to frustration, especially among students who saw their aspirations blocked by outdated laws.
Now, young leaders such as Meena Bhatti and Ekta Mattoo, both law students, are emerging as voices of change. Meena was the first to speak out about the lack of rights, inspiring others in the community. Both women represent a new generation of Valmikis who are determined to break the cycle of exclusion and advocate for a brighter, more inclusive future.
As the elections near, the Valmiki community stands at a crossroads, celebrating its newfound political identity while envisioning a future where their children can pursue their dreams without facing the systemic obstacles of the past.

Updated On 9/9/2024 7:49:29 AM