Shiv Sena (UBT) JK demands 24-hour power supply

Jammu, May 28: Shiv Sena (UBT) Jammu-Kashmir unit on Tuesday staged a demonstration against the increasing power cuts and diminishing water supply amidst the scorching heat. The party criticised the current administration for failing to deliver on its promise of providing 24-hour uninterrupted power supply in exchange for the installation of smart and electronic meters.
Under the leadership of the party’s state chief, Manish Sahni, Shiv Sainiks gathered in Lower Roop Nagar area of Jammu, holding placards with slogans such as “Bijalee Pani De Na Sake Jo ..Vo Sarkar Nikami Hai” (The government that cannot provide electricity and water is incompetent) and “Fulfill the promise of 24 hours power supply”, the party said in a press release issued here.
Sahni highlighted the frustration of the people over the recent announcement of 4 to 8 hours of power cuts by the electricity department during the extreme heatwave. “The residents of Jammu-Kashmir, endowed with abundant water resources and hydro-electric projects, are facing prolonged power cuts and reduced water supply. Despite promises made during the installation of electronic and smart meters, 24-hour power supply remains elusive,” he said.
Manish said there is a lack of accountability when power supply is disrupted for hours, despite consumers facing immediate disconnection for minor payment delays. “The unscheduled power cuts are affecting villages and remote areas, severely impacting farmers’ ability to access water for farming,” he lamented.
He said the absence of a democratically elected government in Jammu and Kashmir has empowered the bureaucracy to act arbitrarily.
Sahni appealed to the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene and ensure continuous power and water supply, especially during the scorching heat. The party’s General Secretary, Vikas Bakshi, Vice President Balwant Singh, Secretary Rajesh Handa, Teetu Sehgal, Kamlesh Chib, Leela Devi, Nirmala Kour, and many others participated in the demonstration.