SRINAGAR: Unprecedented power cuts in the Kashmir Valley have triggered protests in Srinagar, with political parties joining the chorus of discontent on Thursday.
For the past few weeks, residents have been braving the harsh winter without adequate electricity, leading to widespread frustration and anger.
The news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), received numerous phone calls from residents regarding unscheduled power cuts and the non-availability of electricity in their areas.
Meanwhile, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) held separate protests against the prevailing power conditions in the valley.
Both parties demanded an immediate resolution to the power crisis, which has caused significant disruption to daily life.
PDP as well as JKPCC staged a protest at their respective party headquarters.
Protesters from both parties chanted slogans against the government, accusing it of failing to provide adequate electricity to the people of Kashmir.
“The power cuts have been attributed to a combination of factors, including increased demand during the winter months. There are a lot of patients in hospitals and homes, who rely on ventilators and need a continuous power supply. If the power supply issue is not fixed, we will hit the streets,” said Imtiyaz Khan, District Srinagar President of JKPCC.
“There has always been a high demand for power supply in Kashmir, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir are struggling with the power crisis at present. The government should immediately address this issue and provide an adequate power supply to all,” said Rouf Bhat, Additional Spokesperson of PDP.
Pertinently, the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, said on Wednesday that the power situation in the Valley is expected to improve within a week. He acknowledged that the power schedule announced earlier is not being adhered to due to the abrupt increase in demand caused by the early onset of winter in Kashmir.