Kashmiri Pandit migrants in Udhampur eagerly participated in the first phase of the J&K Assembly elections, casting their votes at a special polling station set up at ITI College. This election marked a significant moment for the community, which has faced a long wait of over three decades to exercise their democratic rights. With 904 migrants registered to vote, the atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm and determination. Tight security measures were implemented to ensure a smooth and safe voting process. Para-military forces and J&K Police were deployed around the polling stations, reflecting the authorities’ commitment to creating a secure environment for voters. As voting unfolded across 24 constituencies—16 in Kashmir and 8 in Jammu—the presence of Kashmiri Pandits at the polls symbolized hope and resilience for their community in a historic moment of civic engagement.