Pulwama J & K : The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday staged a protest in south Kashmir’s Tral against the recent hike in electricity tariffs and frequent unscheduled power cuts in the area.

The protest was led by Tral MLA and senior PDP leader Rafiq Ahmad Naik. A large number of party workers and local residents participated in the rally, which began at Tral Bus Stand and culminated at the office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Tral.

The protesters raised slogans against the enhanced electricity tariffs and erratic power supply, while carrying placards highlighting rising electricity bills and the increasing financial burden on consumers.

Senior PDP leader G.M. Kantroo, along with other party functionaries and workers, also joined the protest.

Later, a delegation led by Rafiq Ahmad Naik met the ADC and submitted a memorandum seeking withdrawal of the enhanced tariffs, immediate intervention to address frequent power outages, and steps to ensure a stable and reliable electricity supply in Tral.

Speaking during the protest, Naik said the tariff hike had come at a time when people were already facing inflation and rising household expenses. He said the increase in electricity charges would put additional pressure on ordinary families.

“Electricity is a basic necessity, and ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted power supply is the responsibility of the government and the concerned department,” Naik said.

G.M. Kantroo said consumers were facing a double burden due to increased electricity tariffs and an unreliable power supply. He urged the government to reconsider the tariff hike and strengthen the electricity distribution network to minimise unscheduled outages.

According to Reports the protest passed off peacefully. The revised electricity tariffs approved by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) are scheduled to come into effect from September 1.

Report by – Mudasir Maqbool