Kashmiris protest smart meter installation, call it a tool of exploitation
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, residents of Safa Kadal in Srinagar staged a strong protest against the installation of smart meters, condemning the move as an exploitative tool by India to economically burden Kashmiris.
According to Kashmir Media Service, protesters from Dana Mazar, Al Noor Colony, and nearby areas took to the streets, stating that authorities are selectively targeting their locality for the project while exempting wealthier neighborhoods. The demonstrators, including women, said the move was part of a larger strategy to impose financial hardship on Kashmiri families.
“This is not about power regulation; it’s a systematic attempt to fleece us. Why are only poor Kashmiri areas being targeted while elite colonies remain untouched?” a protester questioned.
Women protesters lamented that their families, already struggling under economic distress, could not afford inflated electricity bills. “Our men earn daily wages to feed us. These meters will make survival impossible,” a female protester said.
Residents also lashed out at politicians who, during recent elections, had promised to block the meter installations. “They used our votes but abandoned us when we needed them the most,” said another protester.
The installation process has also led to frequent power cuts, worsening hardships, particularly for critically ill patients. Protesters warned that this latest attempt at economic oppression would only fuel resentment and resistance among the people of Kashmir.
