Wed Oct 09 07:01:49 UTC 2024: ## Young Woman Seeking Peace Wins J&K Election, Fueled by Personal Loss
**Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir:** Shagun Parihar, a 29-year-old PhD student, has become the youngest winner of the 2024 J&K Assembly elections, marking a historic victory for the BJP. Her win in the Kishtwar district, a region long plagued by militancy, was hard-fought and driven by a personal tragedy that shook her family.
Parihar’s father, BJP functionary Ajit Parihar, and her uncle, Anil Parihar, were assassinated by Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists in 2018, prompting her to enter politics. Despite her initial focus on academics, the weight of her family’s legacy and a sense of responsibility to her community led her to contest the elections.
In a close race, Parihar defeated two political heavyweights, former minister Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo (NC) and Firdous Ahmed Tak (PDP), securing 29,053 votes. Her victory is seen as a strategic move by the BJP to expand its reach in Kishtwar, a district with a larger Muslim population.
Speaking after her victory, Parihar highlighted her commitment to peace and prosperity in the region, stating: “We have lost a large number of our soldiers. I have lost my father, and some have lost their brothers and sons. My first effort will be to ensure that every child here has the shadow of a father over his head, that there is peace and prosperity in the area. My efforts will be to bring happiness to every home.”
Prime Minister Modi, during the campaign, acknowledged the gravity of Parihar’s personal history, emphasizing her determination to fight terrorism. He stated: “She is not just our candidate; she is the living example of BJP’s resolve to finish off terrorism.”
Parihar’s victory marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Kishtwar, reflecting the BJP’s growing influence in the region.
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