HYDERABAD: Long and unannounced load-shedding by Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) continues to plague residents of Hyderabad, even during the holy month of Muharram.
This has led to significant unrest, with agitated residents staging a sit-in at the Tandothoro railway gate, disrupting train movement due to the failure to replace damaged transformers in various areas.
Despite directives from the Sindh government to avoid prolonged and unannounced load-shedding during Muharram, HESCO officials have not adhered to these instructions. The situation is exacerbated by their failure to promptly repair and replace damaged power transformers.
Residents of Mirzapara Phuleli, a densely populated area, took to the streets in protest against the power cuts. They erected barricades at the Tandothoro railway gate, with a large number of women, children, and mourners participating in the sit-in.
The protest halted the Mehran Express from Karachi to Mirpurkhas and caused significant traffic disruptions on both sides of the railway gate.
Protesters highlighted the severe impact of power outages on religious activities during Muharram in Mirzapara. Despite the sensitive nature of the area, the local transformer remains damaged, and complaints lodged with HESCO have gone unanswered. Mourning processions and majalis have been disrupted due to the power outage.
The protesters demanded the immediate replacement of the damaged transformer. Police from various stations, including Panyari, arrived at the scene and engaged with the protesters.
However, the protesters refused to disperse until HESCO officials assured them that the electricity supply would be restored soon.
