Jammu Tawi, Apr 19: The residents of Dhadkahi, known as the “silent village” in Doda district due to its large deaf-and-dumb population, exercised their right to vote in the Lok Sabha polls on Friday in the hope of getting basic amenities, such as roads, water, healthcare facilities and education.
However, they warned of boycotting future elections if their demands are not met.
Located amidst snow-clad mountains, Dhadkahi is primarily inhabited by members of the Gujjar community, known for their agricultural practices and nomadic lifestyle. The unique characteristic of the village is that more than half of its population has faced challenges in hearing and speaking due to congenital medical conditions since 1950.
Despite these challenges, more than 35 per cent of the eligible voters in the village cast their votes at two polling booths by the afternoon.
“We have voted to garner support for our long-standing demand for basic facilities. We urge the government to set up schools for the deaf-and-mute children in our village,” Mohammad Hanief, a social activist, said.
The villagers emphasised the need for immediate attention to their issues, including teachers for a primary school, a doctor for a primary health centre and linking the hamlet with the road network.
“The administration should look into the villagers' problems and ensure that the primary school gets teachers, the primary health centre gets a doctor and the village is linked to the road network,” Hanief said.
The villagers said they will boycott future elections if their demands are not addressed promptly.
“We will boycott any election — whether for the Assembly or panchayats — if our demands are not met,” Hanief said.
