Downtown traders decry unscheduled power cuts

Srinagar, Oct 26: Traders of Downtown have expressed concern over unscheduled power cuts in Old City, saying it causes inconvenience to them and residents.

In a statement, Chairman of Shaher-e-Khaas Traders Alliance Nazir Ahmad Shah said power outages are hitting their business. “Power supply is snapped for hours, including evening hours, without any information. We are suffering losses as customers avoid visiting our shops in the darkness,” Shah said.

“Besides, PDD snaps power connections of shopkeepers and residents without information remotely due to non-payment of bills, even for a month. Most of the traders and residents in Downtown don’t use smart phones and cannot keep track of power bills online.  We urge PDD to restart paper bills and also send SMS to consumers for clearing their outstanding bills,” Shah said.

Shah also demanded an amnesty scheme for commercial connections in Downtown.  “We appeal to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to extend the amnesty scheme for commercial consumers,” Shah added.