PDP, Apni Party protest 6.83% power tariff hike in Srinagar, demand rollback

Srinagar: Workers of the Apni Party and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held separate demonstrations in Srinagar on Monday, protesting against the recently approved 6.83 per cent increase in electricity tariffs in Jammu and Kashmir and calling for its immediate withdrawal.

Apni Party members staged their protest at Press Colony, while PDP workers gathered outside their party headquarters in Srinagar. The demonstrators raised slogans against the government and criticised the tariff revision, describing it as an added financial strain on ordinary consumers.

The protests followed the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) approving an average 6.83 per cent hike in power tariffs across Jammu and Kashmir. The revised rates are scheduled to take effect from September 1.

Protesters argued that consumers were already burdened by steep electricity bills while continuing to face frequent power-related problems. They questioned the rationale behind increasing tariffs instead of providing relief to the public and urged authorities to revoke the decision.

One protester said households were struggling with rising living costs and that the higher electricity charges would further worsen their financial difficulties.

The demonstrators called on the government to reconsider the hike and ensure that electricity remains affordable for residents of Jammu and Kashmir.