SRINAGAR: The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party held separate protests in Srinagar on Monday against the recently approved increase in electricity tariffs, with protesters demanding withdrawal of the hike.
The protests followed the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) decision to raise retail electricity tariffs by an average of 6.83 per cent for consumers of the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL).
The revised tariffs will come into effect from September 1, 2026, and remain applicable until March 31, 2027.
The PDP demonstration was held outside its party headquarters in Srinagar, where leaders and workers carrying banners and placards criticised the National Conference-led government over the tariff revision.
The protesters alleged that the increase would add to the financial burden on consumers and questioned the decision in view of the National Conference’s election campaign promises concerning free electricity.
A separate demonstration was held at Press Enclave by the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, led by party leader Muhammad Ashraf Mir. Participants raised slogans and displayed placards opposing the revised electricity tariffs.
The protesters also raised slogans including “Omar Teri Sarkar Mein Andhera Hi Andhera Hai” while criticising the government over the hike.
Both parties called for reconsideration of the tariff increase and urged the government to take measures to prevent additional financial pressure on electricity consumers.
