Srinagar, May 25 -- According to details, several villages in south Kashmir, which have a history of boycotting elections, broke the trend and voted in large numbers. These villages include Heff in the Shopian district, Mehand and Arwani in the Anantnag district, and Bugam, Mohamadpora and other areas in the Kulgam district.

Residents from these areas said that they have endured hardships over the past three to four decades and are seeking change this time.

When asked about the change they desire, many pointed to the plight of hundreds of youths languishing in jails outside Kashmir and expressed a strong desire for their release. They highlighted the issue of numerous youths in nearly every village having criminal cases against them, wh...