Srinagar, Residents in Srinagar took to the streets to protest against soaring electricity bills and frequent power outages in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The demonstration reflected growing discontent with what residents perceive as an unjustifiable increase in costs and unreliable services.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the residents from downtown Srinagar staged a protest, blocking the Nawa Kadal road, demanding a rollback of the inflated electricity bills. The protestors highlighted that their bills have surged in recent months, reaching an alarming Rs 1,820 per month. Many contend that these costs are untenable, especially given the frequent power cuts and erratic electricity supply.

The protestors also raised concerns about the impact of power outages on vulnerable groups, particularly families with members who rely on oxygen support, whose treatment is disrupted by the electricity cuts. Bashir Ahmad, a resident of Nowhatta, expressed frustration, saying, “We barely make enough to feed ourselves, let alone pay these exorbitant bills. How can they expect us to afford Rs 1,820 every month?”

The residents claim that they have repeatedly contacted officials but received no response, emphasizing the irony of inflated bills amidst the absence of reliable power supply and basic amenities. The protesters demanded that authorities take immediate action to address the situation and provide relief to struggling families.

The protests underscore the growing frustration among residents in Srinagar and other parts of the region, where basic utilities are increasingly costly and unreliable. The demonstration represents a broader call for accountability and improved services in Indian-occupied Kashmir.