Srinagar, May 20: The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) held a protest on Monday against the “severe” power crisis in the Kashmir Valley, saying there are long, unscheduled power cuts, especially during evening hours. The party said the issue has adversely affected the normal lives of people.
The protest, involving former ministers Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura and Aasiya Naqash, state secretaries Arif Laigaroo and Hameed Kohseen, district presidents Abdul Qayoom Bhat, Yaseen Bhat, Zahoor Mir, and dozens of workers, began at the party headquarters on Residency Road.
“However, they were prevented by police from moving towards Lal Chowk,” the party said in a statement issued here. The protesters raised slogans against the lieutenant governor and the administration concerning the power crisis and fee hike.
PDP General Secretary Gh Nabi Lone Hanjura said, “Kashmir is facing the worst power crisis, and the administration is doing nothing to resolve this issue. The unscheduled power cuts are affecting our businesses, students’ education, the healthcare system, and the lives of people. Even our industries and business community are facing a lot of problems due to the shortage of power.”
Former minister Aasiya Naqash criticised the administration’s claims about the installation of smart meters meant to alleviate power issues and ensure an uninterrupted supply. “The so-called smart meter initiative, marketed as a solution to power woes, has instead become a source of discontent among the general public,” she said.
PDP state secretary Arif Laigaroo, who participated in the protest, added, “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.”
Other participants in the protest included Mohammad Altaf Tambakoo, Bilal Sofi, Ali Mohammad Baba, Touseef Shah, Umar Dar, Fayaz Reshi, all zonal presidents, zone members, and others.
