SRINAGAR: In a display of discontent, massive protests were held in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) against the Indian occupational government as citizens grapple with a deepening power crisis that has left the region in prolonged darkness.
Enraged demonstrators, holding placards reading ‘Stop Unscheduled Power Cuts’ and ‘End Darkness in Kashmir,’ voiced their frustration against the Indian occupational government, fearing that the situation is poised to worsen.
Over the past couple of months, the power crisis in occupied Kashmir has reached a critical point, with citizens enduring severe hardships due to prolonged blackouts. The leaders from mainstream political parties addressed the media, expressing concern that IIOJK has been deliberately pushed into darkness, marking an unprecedented scenario in the disputed Kashmir region. The health, education, and business sectors have borne the brunt of the crisis, exacerbating the challenges faced by the local population.
Protestors Openly Blame Incompetence of Indian Occupational Government
Citizens openly blame the incompetence of the Indian occupational government in addressing the crisis, pointing to the installation of smart meters that were intended to bring relief but have seemingly worsened the situation. Political leaders, during a media talk, asserted that this crisis has been unparalleled in the past seven decades, constituting a collective punishment for the people of IIOJK.
The Indian administration’s actions not only deprived people of power but also hindered access to basic needs such as water and ration supply during the harsh winters. The power crisis has turned the situation into a humanitarian crisis. Due to the unavailability of power and heating arrangements, children and the elderly are falling prey to various diseases in IIOJK.
The promises made by the Government of India (GoI) after the abrogation of Article 370 regarding 24/7 power supply through smart meters have been revealed as nothing more than a facade. Instead, the harsh reality of increased tariffs and pervasive darkness has shattered the expectations of Kashmiris in IIOJK.
Critics argue that the claims of normalcy, peace, and prosperity made by the BJP-led government after the events of August 5, 2019, have proven to be nothing but a political gimmick. The widespread protests reflect a growing sense of betrayal among the people of IIOJK, who demand immediate action to address the worsening power crisis and alleviate the hardships faced by the community.
