PDP stages protests in Budgam, Pulwama and Shopian against power tariff hike

SRINAGAR — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday staged protests in Budgam, Pulwama and Shopian districts against the 6.83 per cent increase in electricity tariffs, with party workers demanding a rollback of the hike and fulfilment of election commitments.

Budgam protest

In Budgam, party workers led by MLA Aga Muntazir Mehdi raised slogans against the hike and demanded its rollback. The protesters carried placards highlighting the impact of rising electricity bills on ordinary families, with messages including "High Voltage Bills, Low Income Chills!", "Lighting Homes Shouldn't Cost a Fortune!", "Power Should Empower, Not Devour Us" and "Save the Families".

The PDP said the tariff increase would place an additional financial burden on households at a time when many families are already struggling with rising living costs. Mehdi and the protesting workers demanded that authorities reconsider the decision and provide relief to consumers. The protest remained peaceful, with participants using slogans and placards to voice opposition to the revised tariff.

Pulwama protest

In Pulwama, the protest was held at the district headquarters under the leadership of PDP District President Ghulam Mohammad Shahoori, with party workers and supporters raising slogans against the proposed tariff increase.

The protesters said the hike would further burden ordinary households, small businesses, farmers and other consumers already facing rising living costs and economic difficulties.

Addressing the media, Shahoori said the protest was also aimed at reminding the National Conference-led government of its electoral commitments, particularly the promise of providing 200 units of free electricity. He said that instead of increasing the burden on consumers, the government should take concrete measures to provide relief to people and fulfil commitments made during the election campaign.

Shopian protest

In Shopian, scores of PDP workers staged a separate protest at the party office under the leadership of District President Aijaz Mir.

The protesters criticised the proposed increase, saying higher electricity tariffs would put additional financial pressure on ordinary households already struggling with rising expenses. They demanded that the government reconsider the tariff decision in the interest of consumers and take steps to ensure affordable electricity for the common people.

The protests come ahead of the proposed implementation of the revised power tariff from September 1, with the average tariff increase approved by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) standing at 6.83 per cent.

The PDP has demanded that the proposed increase be withdrawn and that the government initiate a clear roadmap for providing relief to consumers, including implementation of its electoral promise of 200 units of free electricity.

The article first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse at https://kashmirpulse.com/politics/pdp-stages-protests-in-budgam-pulwama-and-shopian-against-power-tariff-hike/115746.html