Unscheduled power cuts deepen crisis in IIOJK
India criticized for exploiting Kashmir’s resources for Its own gain
Srinagar: Widespread and unscheduled power cuts across Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Kashmir Valley, have sparked protests and public outrage.
According to Kashmir Media Service, residents are facing severe disruptions in daily life, with hospitals, essential services, businesses, education, and healthcare among the worst affected.
Frustrated Kashmiris took to the streets in Srinagar, criticizing the administration’s failure to manage the power crisis effectively. Protesters expressed outrage over the lack of consistent electricity supply despite the installation of smart meters, which were promised to improve the system.
The protesters said the Indian government is deliberately neglecting their needs to add to their miseries.
Despite IIOJK producing 3,593 MW of hydroelectric power, 65% of this energy flows out of the territory to the North East Indian states. Experts and locals have criticized the Indian government for exploiting the IIOJK’s water resources while failing to provide affordable electricity to its people.
The crisis highlights the ongoing neglect and exploitation faced by Kashmiris, with demands for a fair distribution of resources growing louder. The situation remains dire, with no immediate solutions in sight.
Additionally, the installation of electric transmission lines has led to the felling of thousands of trees belonging to farmers in districts like Shopian, Pulwama, Budgam, and Baramulla. Despite these sacrifices by locals, the benefits have bypassed the territory, as the Indian government focuses on building transmission infrastructure to serve its extensive power projects outside IIOJK.
Experts have repeatedly highlighted the exploitation of the territory’s water resources, labeling it criminal that IIOJK, despite generating significant hydroelectric power, is forced to purchase electricity worth Rs. 7,000 crore annually from India, with no regard for the territory’s own energy needs.
