SRINAGAR, AUGUST 24: The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party held separate protests in Srinagar on Monday against the recently approved electricity tariff hike in Jammu and Kashmir, demanding that the increase be withdrawn.
The protests were organised after the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) approved an average 6.83 per cent increase in retail electricity tariffs for consumers of the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL).
The revised power tariffs in J&K will come into effect from September 1, 2026, and remain applicable until March 31, 2027.
The PDP held its demonstration outside the party headquarters in Srinagar, where party leaders and workers carried banners and placards opposing the electricity tariff hike. Protesters criticised the National Conference-led government, alleging that the increased tariffs would place an additional financial burden on ordinary consumers.
The protesters also questioned the tariff revision in light of the National Conference’s election promises on free electricity, demanding clarity and reconsideration of the decision.
Meanwhile, the Apni Party held a separate protest at Press Enclave, Srinagar, led by party leader Muhammad Ashraf Mir. Party workers raised slogans and displayed placards against the revised electricity rates.
Protesters also raised slogans including “Omar Teri Sarkar Mein Andhera Hi Andhera Hai”, while demanding that the government roll back the power tariff hike.
Both PDP and Apni Party urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to reconsider the revised electricity tariffs and take steps to prevent further financial pressure on electricity consumers.
The J&K power tariff hike, which comes into effect next month, has emerged as a major political issue in Srinagar, with opposition parties stepping up protests against the increased electricity rates.
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