Protests Against Smart Meter Installation Continues in Umer Mohalla, Kishtwar
Jammu: 20 Feb. 2025
Baber Farooq
Protests against the installation of smart meters in Umer Mohalla of Kishtwar municipality limits continued early this morning when a team from the Power Development Department accompanied by police personnel, arrived to install the meters. This marks the third attempt by the PDD to carry out the installation, with previous efforts being thwarted due to strong opposition from local residents.
As soon as the officials reached the area, a large number of people came out of their homes and raised their concerns over the installation. Residents highlighted that they had already submitted a resolution to the PDD, requesting the disconnection of their electricity connections rather than having smart meters forcibly installed. Despite this, the department proceeded with the installation attempt, triggering another round of protests.
Protesters raised slogans against the department and the government, condemning what they described as the forceful imposition of smart meters.
A female protester expressed concern over the financial burden that would follow, stating, “How can we afford huge electricity bills when most of our youth are unemployed? Despite Kishtwar housing multiple under-construction hydroelectric power projects, our educated youth have not been provided jobs, leaving them without a stable source of income.”
Another young protester criticized the administration, questioning why free electricity was not being provided to Kishtwar residents despite the region becoming a power hub for North India. “Many states are receiving some free units of electricity generated in Kishtwar, yet we are being forced to install smart meters. We urge all Kishtwar residents to stand united against this and demand free electricity,” he said. He also called upon people from all areas to come together and oppose the installations to prevent future hardships.
Following the intense opposition, the PDD officials were once again forced to leave without completing the smart meter installation in Umer Mohalla. The situation remains tense as residents vow to continue their protests until their demands are met.
