Raja Bilal CNI
Budgam, Aug 6: In a strong show of resentment, dozens of women in Beerwah town of central Kashmir’s Budgam district hit the streets on Tuesday to protest against the installation of smart electricity meters in their locality.Chanting slogans against the local administration, the protesting women blocked the main road for several hours, bringing traffic to a standstill and drawing attention to what they termed as an unjust imposition.
Reports said taht the protestors alleged the government was forcing smart meters upon economically weaker sections, despite their inability to cope with the rising cost of electricity.“We are not in a position to pay these inflated bills.
These smart meters are a burden on the poor,” said one of the demonstrators.In a symbolic act of defiance, several women returned the smart meters already installed at their homes, declaring them “unacceptable to the people.”The protest caused long traffic disruptions in the area, with commuters stranded as negotiations failed to yield any immediate resolution.
The demonstrators warned of intensified protests if the administration continues to ignore their concerns. As of now, there has been no official comment from the local authorities.