Tanveer Hussain
Srinagar, May 28: Villagers of Labertal village in central Kashmir’s Budgam district resisted the installation of smart electricity meters, snatching the devices from installation teams and barring officials from proceeding, in a clear sign of growing public frustration over inadequate power supply and rising costs.
The protesters argue that introducing smart meters in an area plagued by daily power cuts is not only unreasonable but deeply unfair. “Provide us with electricity first, then talk about smart meters,” shouted one protester, as dozens of locals gathered to block the meter installation drive.
Eyewitnesses told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the smart meter installation team had barely begun work when locals intervened, confiscated several meters, and forced officials to leave the area. The confrontation was tense but non-violent, driven by what residents say is long-standing neglect by the power department.
“We are not against development or modernization,” said a local resident, “but we won’t accept a system that increases our bills when we don’t even have power for half the day.”
Notably, similar demonstrations had been held in various parts of Budgam and elsewhere in the Valley, where people allege that smart meters, once installed, result in inflated monthly bills and offer no improvements in power supply. [KNT]
