Bandipora Residents, PRI members rally against soaring power bills

By Suhail Rather and Abdul Basit

Bandipora, June 15 – In a strong display of solidarity, members of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) from various panchayats in Bandipora district staged protest against the unprecedented surge in power bills that have burdened residents across the region. Outraged by the sudden 900% increase in electricity charges, the locals rallied together to voice their concern.

PRI members expressed their strong resentment to the inflated bills and announced their intention to terminate their agreements with the Power Development Department (PDD). They vowed not to pay these exorbitant bills under any circumstances. A peaceful protest was organized at the Block office in Bandipora under the guidance of DDC member GH Mohiuddin Rather.

During a press conference, DDC member GH Mohd Rather highlighted the dire circumstances faced by a significant portion of his block's residents, who live below the poverty line. He emphasized the sheer impossibility for his constituents to bear the burden of paying an astronomical amount of Rs. 1800 for a single bulb. His statements resonated with the gathered crowd, reflecting the shared frustration and economic challenges faced by the community.

Lumberdar of Sumlar village declared that the residents would take a principled stand and refuse to pay these unjust bills, regardless of the consequences. The villagers vowed to continue  their protests until  their issue is resolved.