Awantipora residents protest unscheduled power cuts
By: Mushtaq ul Islam
Pulwama: Scores of residents from several villages in the Awantipora area of Pulwama district staged protests on Thursday, voicing their frustration over frequent unscheduled power outages that have disrupted their lives during the harsh winter season.
Villages including Gulzarpora, Shaltukan, Batapora, Jangalnord, Ranzipora, Baderwan, and Kanjipora were among those affected.
The protesters gathered in significant numbers, chanting slogans against the local electricity department and demanding immediate resolution of the ongoing power crisis.
Speaking to the media, a protester lamented, “The frequent and unscheduled power cuts have made it impossible to cope with the freezing cold and perform daily chores. This issue has become unbearable and is severely affecting our livelihoods.”
Adding to their grievances, residents highlighted the absence of local representation in the electricity department. They argued that employing locals in the department would improve service delivery.
“Local employees understand the unique challenges of our area and can ensure timely and effective solutions,” said another protester.
The lack of electricity has forced villagers to rely on expensive and inefficient alternatives for heating and cooking, further aggravating their struggles. Protesters also called for the reinstatement of Muhammad Ayuob, a former electricity inspector, whose transfer they claim has worsened the power crisis. Villagers described Ayuob as a competent officer who addressed their electricity issues efficiently.
Despite the protests, officials from the electricity department have yet to issue a statement addressing the concerns of the villagers. Residents are urging the administration to intervene urgently and provide a sustainable solution to the ongoing crisis. As protests continue, locals hope for swift action to restore normalcy and alleviate their hardships during the peak winter season.
