Srinagar, Aug 24 (JKNS): The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party on Monday held separate protests in Srinagar against the recently approved 6.83 per cent hike in electricity tariffs, accusing the government of imposing an additional financial burden on consumers.
Dwtails available with news agency JKNS stated that, the PDP organised a protest at its party headquarters in Srinagar, where party leaders and workers carrying banners and placards raised slogans against the National Conference-led government over the tariff revision.
The protesters criticised the government for increasing electricity charges and questioned the decision in view of the promises made by the National Conference during the 2024 Assembly elections regarding free electricity.
They alleged that the tariff hike would further burden ordinary households already facing rising living costs and demanded that the government reconsider the decision.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party held a separate protest at Press Enclave, Srinagar, led by party leader Muhammad Ashraf Mir.
Party workers carrying placards and banners raised slogans against the government and opposed the increase in electricity tariffs.
During the protest, demonstrators also raised slogans including “Omar Teri Sarkar Mein Andhera Hi Andhera Hai”, while criticising the government over the revised power rates.
The protests come days after the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh approved an average 6.83 per cent increase in retail electricity tariffs for consumers of Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL).
The revised tariff is scheduled to come into effect from September 1, 2026, with electricity consumption from that date to be billed at the new rates.
The protesting parties demanded that the government intervene and reconsider the tariff increase, arguing that consumers should not be subjected to additional financial pressure.
They also called for measures to provide relief to households and ensure that the government’s electoral commitments on electricity are addressed.
The protests reflect growing political opposition to the tariff revision, with the parties maintaining that the government should prioritise consumer relief and affordability.
The protesters warned that they would continue to raise the issue if the tariff hike was not reconsidered. (JKNS)
