Srinagar, Nov. 28 -- For the first time since the abrogation of Article 370, District Development Council (DDC) polls saw return of the major electoral exercise in Kashmir for a triangular contest being fought for "development" versus "restoration".

LAST time when Riyaz Dar of Shadipora, Sumbal in north Kashmir's Bandipora district fell in line to cast his ballot, the fight, he said, was bigger and crucial.

"The motive was to keep the saffron party's Mission 44 at bay," Dar said. "But now, we are merely voting for our basics."

On icy-cold Saturday morning, 34-year-old Dar was out to vote for "development and peace" in the District Development Council (DDC) polls in his village polling centre layered by security cover.

A Contrast

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