PDP holds protest against power crisis

Srinagar, Nov 23: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) today held a protest here against the growing power crisis in Kashmir.
Scores of party leaders and workers tried to march out from PDP’s Srinagar office but were disallowed from doing so by the police present there.

The protesting workers were holding placards that read ‘Stop Unscheduled power cuts’ and ‘End Darkness in Kashmir’ amid slogans against the power shortage. The leaders from PDP told the media that Kashmir has been pushed into darkness, and such a scenario has never been witnessed in Kashmir before. They said that the health, education, and business sectors have been worst hit.

The party leadership said that the power crisis in Kashmir has reached a critical point, leaving citizens grappling with prolonged blackouts and enduring severe hardships. They said 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.

Asiya Naqash, a former minister who also participated in the protest, said, "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 exploiting the situation and burdening the citizens further." She said.
While speaking to the media, PDP’s Iqbal Tramboo said that such the worst crisis has never been witnessed in Kashmir in the past seven decades. He said Kashmiris are going through a collective punishment.

“Winters used to be harsh always in Kashmir, but we were never forced into such crisis like today. The administration is punishing people for standing against BJP ideology. The administration is not only depriving people of power but also from basic needs like water and ration supply,” he said.
Rouf Baht, additional spokesperson for PDP said that the power crisis in Kashmir has been turned into a humanitarian crisis.

“Grave injustice is being done to the people of Kashmir by the administration. Our health sector, education, and industries are the worst hit. The whole of Kashmir has been pushed into darkness, and we are today standing here to demand that the power supply should be restored. Due to the unavailability of power and heating arrangements, our children and elderly are falling prey to various diseases,” Bhat said.

PDP leaders said that earlier claims were made by the administration about the installation of smart meters to alleviate power issues and ensure uninterrupted.