Srinagar, 23-11-2023: The power crisis in Kashmir has reached a critical point, leaving citizens grappling with prolonged blackouts and enduring severe hardships. The incompetence of the Jammu and Kashmir administration in addressing this crisis is now glaringly evident, as promises of 24/7 power supply through smart meters have proven to be nothing more than a facade, masking a harsh reality of increased tariffs and darkness.
Despite tall claims by the LG administration about the installation of smart meters to alleviate power issues and ensure uninterrupted supply, the ground reality tells a different story. The so-called smart meter initiative, which was marketed as a solution to power woes, has instead become a source of discontent among the general public.
Citizens, already burdened by the acute power crisis, now find themselves facing higher tariffs, leading to a sense of betrayal by the very government that promised them relief. The increased financial burden, coupled with persistent power shortages, has compromised basic necessities, plunging many households into darkness.
In response to the worsening situation and to highlight the administration’s failure, workers and leaders of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party in district Srinagar staged a strong protest.
Former minister Asia Naqash, Ab. Qayoom Bhat, Arif Laigroo, Iqbal Tramboo, Rouf Bhat, Sheikh Saba, Zaid Gowher, and scores of members from the youth PDP joined hands to voice their concerns and demand immediate action.
Asia Naqash, a former minister who participated in the protest, stated, “The promises made by the administration about smart meters were meant to bring relief, not exacerbate the woes of the people. It is disheartening to see the government exploit the situation and burden the citizens further.”
The protest seeks to draw attention to the administration’s failure to deliver on its promises and to demand transparency regarding the implementation and impact of the smart meter initiative. The people of Kashmir deserve answers and concrete actions to resolve the pressing power crisis.
The J&K People’s Democratic Party calls upon the administration to reassess its approach, address the genuine concerns of the public, and work towards a sustainable solution that truly benefits the citizens of Kashmir.