Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 14: Protestors today blocked the vital Srinagar-Baramulla highway at Umarabad in the HMT area of Srinagar to oppose the installation of smart meters in their areas, citing concerns about affordability for lower-income households.
A large gathering comprising residents from at least three localities, namely old Zainkote, Abanshah, and Khushipora, gathered at the Umarabad crossing, demanding an immediate halt to the installation of smart meters. The protest caused a one-hour-long traffic blockade on the highway, leading to disruptions and long queues of stranded vehicles on both sides.
Protesters expressed their worries about the financial burden of smart meters, especially for the majority of households belonging to lower-income groups in the affected areas. They highlighted that many of the area’s youth were engaged in low-income jobs, such as salesmen or roadside vendors, and would struggle to afford the increased expenses associated with smart meters. “Most of the people here are poor and cannot bear the burden of hefty bills. We would rather face dire consequences than allow the installation of smart meters in our area. Are they not aware of the financial hardships faced by the people? Instead of implementing measures to improve our economic situation, they are forcefully imposing these meters upon us,” a woman said.
Protestors cautioned that the government’s actions were testing the patience of the people in the valley. They warned that if such measures continued, strong resistance and widespread protests would follow.
The protest came to an end after the police and administration provided assurances to the demonstrators that their concerns would be addressed.
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