PDP Protests in Pulwama, Shopian Against 6.83% Power Tariff Hike

Pulwama/Shopian, Aug 27, : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) workers staged protests in Pulwama and Shopian districts on Thursday against the proposed 6.83 per cent increase in electricity tariffs in Jammu and Kashmir, demanding withdrawal of the hike and fulfilment of commitments made to people during elections.In Pulwama, the protest was held at the district headquarters under the leadership of PDP District President Ghulam Mohammad Shahoori, with party workers and supporters raising slogans against the proposed tariff increase.The protesters said the hike would further burden ordinary households, small businesses, farmers and other consumers already facing rising living costs and economic difficulties.Addressing the media, Shahoori said the protest was also aimed at reminding the National Conference-led government of its electoral commitments, particularly the promise of providing 200 units of free electricity.He said that instead of increasing the burden on consumers, the government should take concrete measures to provide relief to people and fulfil the commitments made during the election campaign.In Shopian, scores of PDP workers staged a separate protest at the party office under the leadership of District President Aijaz Mir.The protesters criticised the proposed increase, saying higher electricity tariffs would put additional financial pressure on ordinary households already struggling with rising expenses.The Shopian protesters demanded that the government reconsider the tariff decision in the interest of consumers and take steps to ensure affordable electricity for the common people.The protests come ahead of the proposed implementation of the revised power tariff from September 1, with the average tariff increase approved by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) standing at 6.83 per cent.The PDP has demanded that the proposed increase be withdrawn and that the government initiate a clear roadmap for providing relief to consumers, including implementation of its electoral promise of 200 units of free electricity. [KNT]