Baramulla, Oct 7: Disconnection of electricity supply to around 200 households over pending bills triggered a protest in Tangmarg area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Wednesday, with residents demanding restoration of power and relief for economically vulnerable families.
The protesters gathered along the Srinagar-Gulmarg highway and raised slogans against the Power Development Department (PDD), alleging that their electricity connections were disconnected late Tuesday without prior notice.
Residents said several affected families were unable to clear their accumulated dues in a single payment. In many cases, they said, the outstanding amount ranged between Rs 3,000 and Rs 5,000.
The protesters demanded that the department restore the connections and allow consumers to clear their dues in instalments.
“Scores of families are poor and unable to pay the entire amount in one go. The authorities should allow them to clear the dues in instalments,” said protester Fayaz Ahmad.
Some protesters belonging to the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) category also alleged that they were not receiving the benefit of 200 units of free electricity, saying this had added to their financial difficulties.
The residents said the disconnections had caused hardship to families with limited resources and urged the administration to intervene and provide them additional time to settle the bills.
Police and revenue officials reached the protest site and held discussions with the residents. They listened to their grievances and assured the protesters that the matter would be taken up with the higher authorities.Following the assurance, the protesters dispersed peacefully.
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