Zainapora, the erstwhile Wachi constituency will see a massive vote divide in PDP influences which can help the JKNC-Congress candidate sail through, reports Syed Batool Andrabi
Known as the Village of Springs, Zainapora is a newly established Tehsil and a large village trying to emerge as a town. The last delimitation undertaken after the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir cobbled this constituency and changed its name from Wachi to Zainapoara.
In the last few years, Zainpora has witnessed massive urbanisation and has spread hugely. It is partly living on the two karewas, the high table swathes of land, and between them on the sides of the fast-flowing creek. It is central to a huge cluster of villages.
Demography
According to the 2011 Census, Zainapora’s population stands at 132680. The village boasts a literacy rate of 70.01 per cent, relatively high compared to other Jammu and Kashmir regions. The population is predominantly Muslim, with a small number of Hindu families still residing in the area, reflecting the village’s historical diversity.
The last delimitation gave Zainapora, Chitragam, Barbugh Imamsahib and Hermain Tehsils and Shopian Tehsil (Part) – Dangerpora, Trenz, Kiloora Malikgund, Nadigam, Ganowpora Arsh, Dangam, Pratabpora, Bemnipora, Kaprin and Kanjiullar PCs to this new constituency.
The community places a strong emphasis on education, with several institutions, including schools and a degree college, catering to local students’ needs.
The Election Commission data puts the total number of electors in this constituency at 106867 including 909 individuals with special disability and 53342 females.
Electoral History
This constituency – earlier called Wachi – was retained by the influential Wani family of Niloora village. While his father, Ghulam Qadir Niloora represented this segment in 1977 and 1983, it was his son Nazir who retained it for the family and the JKNC in 1987. During militancy, both father and son were assassinated in separate incidents.
In 1996, JKNC’s Mohammad Jabar Mir won this seat.
In 2002, Mohammad Khalil Naik of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) won the seat, narrowly defeating Ghulam Hassan Bhat of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) by 80 votes, securing 4,133 votes to Bhat’s 4,053.
However, in 2008, Naik lost the seat to Mehbooba Mufti of the PDP, who won decisively with 12,810 votes, compared to Showkat Hussain Ganie of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), who received 4,474 votes.
In 2014, Aijaz Ahmad Mir of the PDP won the seat with 15,610 votes, defeating Ganie again, who garnered 13,805 votes.
This election the seat is most likely to be won by JKNC’s Showkat Ahmad Ganai. The key reason is that PDP’s Aijaz Ahmad Mir was denied the party mandate and he left the party and is contesting independently. The PDP has fielded Ghulam Mohiuddin Wani. This is expected to divide the PDP votes and its influence in the area, which would make JKNC manage the seat.
History
Zainapora’s history is deeply entwined with that of Zain-ul-Abidin, a medieval king revered for his secularism, development and patronage of arts, culture and inclusivity. The village bears his name, as he was a frequent visitor to a Sufi saint who lived in the area. This legacy has cultivated a sense of communal harmony, exemplified by the peaceful coexistence of Hindus and Muslims.
Over time, Zainapora has undergone a significant transformation. Following administrative reforms in Jammu and Kashmir, it gained sub-district status, elevating its administrative significance. This change has facilitated the development of local infrastructure and services.
Geography
Zainapora is situated 19 kilometres east of Shopian district headquarters and is very close to Bejbehara town, thus making it easily accessible from the national highway. It is around 63 kilometres from Srinagar. The village is encircled by lush green hills.
The village experiences a climate characteristic of the Kashmir region, with cold winters and mild summers. Significant snowfall occurs in the area, feeding numerous springs that dot the village. The nearby Jhelum River further enriches the water resources, supporting agriculture and daily needs.
Economy
Zainapora’s economy is primarily agrarian, with a strong focus on horticulture. The village is renowned for its springs and apple orchards, particularly the Ambrivariety, which flourishes in the region’s favourable climate.
The Advanced Centre for Horticulture Development in Zainapora plays a crucial role in promoting modern agricultural practices, boosting productivity, and improving yields.
Apple cultivation provides livelihoods for a significant portion of the local population, supporting many families. The region’s agricultural output is essential for both local consumption and trade in larger markets, contributing significantly to the overall economy of the Shopian district.
Its twin karewa lands play host to a lot of infrastructure critical to Kashmir’s apple produce. Some of the basic nurseries where new varieties are being tested are in this area.
Political Landscape
Zainapora’s political landscape has been influenced by various parties over the years. As part of the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency, the area has witnessed competitive elections in recent years. In the 2014 assembly elections, Aijaz Ahmad Mirof the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (JKPDP) won the seat.
With the upcoming assembly elections approaching, Zainapora’s political dynamics are expected to be intense. Several candidates are vying for local support, and residents are acutely aware of the importance of effective political representation in addressing their needs and concerns.
Fifteen nominations have been filed, with five rejected. The accepted candidates are Mashooq Ahmed Dar (Garib Democratic Party), Umar Hameed Malla (Independent), Abdul Rehman Bhat (Liberal Democratic Party), Mohammad Suhaib Bhat(Independent), and Mohammad Yousuf Mir (Independent).
The Zainapora constituency encompasses several areas, including Zainapora, Chitragam, Barbugh Imamsahib, and Hermain Tehsils. Shopian Tehsil (part), covering Dangerpora, Trenz, Kiloora Malikgund, Nadigam, Ganowpora Arsh, Dangam, Pratabpora, Bemnipora, Kaprin, and Kanjiullar polling stations.