Srinagar, May 25 -- First-time voters, at different polling stations, said that the vote has more importance as their special state has been downgraded to UT, and non-locals can apply for jobs in J&K.

They said that they have voted for restoration of statehood and jobs, and that the land of J&K must be kept for J&K residents only.

They said that the graph of unemployment in J&K is rising with each passing day, and there is a need for an employment package for J&K.

Arshid Ahmad, a first time voter in DH Pora said that he has been voting so that he will get his rights as many things were snatched from us in the last few years and we want it back.

He said that bureaucracy isn't an alternative to the elected government and we want our rep...