Protests Against Smart Meter Installation Continue in Umer Mohalla, Kishtwar
Sorav Rathore
Kishtwar, Feb 20 (KB): Protests against the installation of smart meters in Umer Mohalla, within Kishtwar municipality limits, persisted for the third consecutive time as a team from the Power Development Department (PDD), accompanied by police personnel, attempted to install the meters. Previous efforts had also been thwarted due to strong public resistance.
As the PDD officials arrived, a large number of residents emerged from their homes, raising slogans and voicing their concerns. The protesters reiterated that they had already submitted a resolution requesting the disconnection of their electricity supply rather than accepting smart meters. Despite their clear stance, the department moved forward with the installation attempt, leading to renewed public outrage.
Local residents fear that smart meters will lead to exorbitant electricity bills, adding financial strain to already struggling households.
A female protester highlighted the economic challenges faced by the community, “How can we afford huge electricity bills when most of our youth are unemployed? Despite Kishtwar housing multiple under-construction hydroelectric projects, our educated youth remain jobless, with no stable income source,” she, as per Kashmir Bulletin, said.
Another protester emphasized the contradiction in Kishtwar’s situation, pointing out that while the region is emerging as a power hub for North India, local residents are being forced to pay for electricity.
“Many states are receiving some free electricity generated here, yet we are being compelled to install smart meters. We urge all Kishtwar residents to unite against this and demand our rightful share of free electricity,” he asserted.
With protests intensifying and residents refusing to back down, PDD officials were once again forced to leave without completing the installation. The situation in Umer Mohalla remains tense as the community vows to continue its demonstrations until their concerns are addressed. (KB)
