Srinagar, The Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti has vocally criticized the chronic power shortages in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the added hardship during Ramadan. Her condemnation targets the introduction of smart meters, which she contends serve more as instruments of financial burden than as solutions to the energy crisis.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Mufti utilized social media platforms to voice her concerns, pinpointing the frustration of residents experiencing frequent electricity interruptions during an essential time of spiritual observance. She articulated the perception that smart meters, rather than alleviating power issues, have exacerbated tensions, inciting protests across the region and leading to retaliatory electricity disconnections.

The discontent spreads across Kashmir, touching various districts where citizens report significant disruptions to daily routines and religious observances. In Kulgam, for example, community members, including Ghulam Hassan Dar, underscore the irony of enduring power outages and receiving exorbitant bills despite the new metering infrastructure. The situation has prompted public outcries, with social media amplifying images of communities forced to observe Ramadan rituals in the dark.

The issue not only affects household convenience but also intrudes on the sanctity of Ramadan’s Sehri and Iftari times, highlighting a broader crisis of infrastructure and governance in the region. As residents of Kulgam and beyond articulate their grievances, the power struggle underscores ongoing debates over resource management and administrative accountability in Kashmir.