PDP workers protest against electricity tariff

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Aug 27: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders and workers staged a protest in Anantnag today against the increase in electricity tariffs, accusing the National Conference Government of failing to fulfil its promise of providing 200 free units of power to the people of J&K.

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The protesters said the power tariff increase was contrary to the commitments made to the people and demanded that the Government fulfil the promises made during the elections.

PDP leaders said two years had passed and people had repeatedly reminded the Government about its commitments, but no action had been taken.

They said the continued delay had forced people to take to the streets.

"The people of J&K were promised 200 free electricity units, but what is happening is the opposite," the leaders said, accusing the NC Government of failing to address the concerns of consumers. The protesters also raised the issue of ownership of power projects, arguing that J&K's power resources should benefit its people.

They alleged that successive NC Governments had worked against the interests of the people on the issue.

Referring to the tenure of former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, the PDP leaders alleged that five power projects were handed over to the Centre during his tenure.

The PDP said the Government should take immediate steps to address the issue of rising power costs and implement the promised free electricity scheme.

The protesters warned that continued failure to fulfil electoral commitments would further deepen public resentment, saying people had already been reminding the Government of its promises for the past two years.

They urged the NC government to honour its commitments and said it was now time to fulfil the promises made to the people of J&K.