Pulwama, Jan 10 (KNO): Residents of Satoora, Tral in South Kashmir's Pulwama district on Saturday staged a protest against what they termed as an “unjust and arbitrary” hike in electricity tariffs.
Protesters, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) alleged that their monthly power bills have increased nearly fourfold over the past one year.
They assembled in the area, raising slogans and demanding immediate installation of electricity meters to ensure fair billing.
The protesters said that despite consuming the same amount of electricity, their bills have witnessed a steep and unexplained rise, pushing many households—especially daily wagers and economically weaker families—into financial distress.
“We used to receive electricity bills ranging between Rs 400 to Rs 600, but now the same households are being charged Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,000 without any justification,” said a local resident. “How can poor families afford such inflated bills when there has been no increase in usage?”
They said that if PDD is going to increase tariff as per its will then they it must install meters in the area so that people can use power as per their will and submit fee accordingly.
Women residents also expressed concern over the growing burden on household finances. “Electricity has become a luxury for us. Either we pay the bills or manage basic necessities. The government keeps talking about relief for the poor, but on the ground, we are being crushed by rising tariffs,” said a woman protester.
The residents warned that if their demands are not addressed, they would intensify their agitation. “We are not against paying bills, but they should be based on actual consumption. Install meters and charge us fairly,” another local said.
Meanwhile, the protesters urged the district administration to intervene immediately, stating that unchecked tariff hikes without proper metering are breeding resentment and hardship among the people of Satoora Tral—(KNO)