Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 17: Residents of Chattergul area in district Ganderbal’s Kangan today staged a protest against “unjustified” electricity bills, alleging that their monthly charges have suddenly surged to Rs 1,300.
Scores of residents took to the streets, holding electricity bills in their hands and raising slogans against the Government, especially the Chief Minister, who is also the MLA Ganderbal.
They said their monthly charges have seen a steep and inexplicable rise in recent months.
“Earlier, we used to receive bills of Rs 108, then Rs 700, and now Rs 1,300. How can a poor family afford this? This is totally unfair,” said one of the protestors.
‘The aggrieved residents also expressed anger over what they called Chief Minister’s unfulfilled pre-election promises.
“Before the elections, Omar Abdullah assured us that his Government would provide free ration and 200 units of free electricity. But after coming to power, he has turned back on his words,” the residents said.
Gulzar Ahmad, a resident, said they had been promised relief but nothing materialised.
“We do not have any source of income and were told that electricity bills would be waived off. We voted for them, but after winning, they forgot their promises,” he said.
Another local, Noor Hassan, said the rising bills have made life difficult for poor families.
“We couldn’t afford to pay Rs 100 and now Rs1300. Many among us cannot even feed our families-how are we supposed to pay these bills?” he asked.
The protesters also took a dig at the Chief Minister’s recent statement on the installation of smart meters, terming it an “injustice” with the poor.
“This is not what we expected from this government; we were promised a lot but received nothing. We urge the authorities to reconsider the recent hike and provide immediate relief to low-income households.”
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