Hakeem Yaseen urges action on power, water, food crisis in Kashmir

Srinagar, Dec 22: Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen has expressed deep concern over the worsening power, water, and food crises in Kashmir, calling for urgent intervention from the administration.

In a statement, Yaseen highlighted the growing challenges faced by the people of Kashmir during the harsh winter, particularly during the ongoing Chilai Kalan. He emphasised that the severe power outages, a recurring issue in winter, coupled with a scarcity of essential commodities and soaring prices, have made life unbearable for residents.

“The administration has failed to mobilize resources to alleviate the struggles of the people. Power and water shortages, along with skyrocketing prices, have pushed life to the brink, especially in far-flung areas like Khag, Khansahib, and Doodhpathri,” Yaseen said.

He urged the government to procure additional power from the central grid to ensure basic electricity supply, stressing that providing essential services is the duty of a welfare state. He also called for the reactivation of market-checking squads to curb profiteering by unscrupulous traders.

Yaseen further criticised the administration’s claims of boosting tourism, questioning how the region could attract visitors without reliable electricity and basic amenities. He appealed for swift and effective measures to ease the suffering of the people.