ISLAMABAD: Mehbooba Mufti, the President of the People’s Democratic Party, has strongly criticized the ongoing power crisis in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
Mufti took to social media to condemn the situation, emphasizing that despite the sacred month, people are still enduring long power cuts. She also condemned the deployment of smart meters, labeling them as tools for extortion, especially in areas with inconsistent electricity supply. The installation of these meters has sparked protests across the Kashmir valley, leading to authorities disconnecting electricity in response to demonstrations.
The protest against these power cuts is widespread, with locals expressing frustration, especially during critical times such as Sehri and Iftari. Ghulam Hassan Dar, a resident of Kulgam, expressed disappointment over the inconvenience faced by locals, highlighting the failure of the Power Development Department (PDD) to provide electricity despite the installation of smart meters and the imposition of high bills.
Videos circulating on social media platforms show people praying in darkness inside mosques, illustrating the severity of the situation. Kulgam district, particularly villages like Kilam, Hablishi, and Bozgam, has been severely affected by erratic power supply.
Residents in these areas, including those in Devsar, have voiced frustration over the disruption to their daily lives and religious practices due to frequent power outages.
