SRINAGAR: Electricity supply has been snapped to several villages in central Kashmir’s Budgam district over alleged non-payment of electricity dues, triggering strong resentment among villagers who claim that most households have already cleared their power bills.
Affected villagers said that despite regular payment by a majority of consumers, entire localities have been plunged into darkness because a few economically weak households were unable to pay what they described as inflated electricity bills. They termed the action as collective punishment and alleged harassment by the power distribution authorities.
A villager from Hukhlatri village in Beerwah told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the situation has turned critical for his family, as his elderly mother is dependent on an oxygen concentrator. He said that due to the power outage for the past four days, her life has been put at serious risk, with the family struggling to ensure an uninterrupted oxygen supply.
Locals alleged that instead of providing relief during the harsh winter season, the authorities are resorting to coercive measures that are affecting even those who have complied with payment norms.
People urged the government and the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited to immediately restore electricity supply and adopt a humane approach, particularly in cases involving medical emergencies and vulnerable families. [KNT]
