Srinagar, March 30 : Senior leader of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Zuhaib Yousuf Mir, on Monday criticized the Power Development Department (PDD) over ongoing electricity disconnection drives, accusing the government of ignoring the hardships faced by consumers.
The remarks come amid increased enforcement by authorities to recover pending electricity dues, even as residents across the Valley continue to face economic strain following the winter season.
In a post on social media platform X, Mir said the PDD under the National Conference (NC)-led government was functioning “like a task force without guns” by aggressively disconnecting electricity connections over relatively small outstanding amounts.
He said consumers were reportedly facing disconnections for dues ranging between Rs 1,500 and Rs 4,000, which he described as disproportionate given the prevailing financial difficulties among the public.
“Disconnecting electricity over such minor dues shows disregard for the struggles of ordinary citizens,” Mir said.
He added that the situation was particularly concerning in the aftermath of winter, when electricity consumption remains high due to heating needs and other essential usage.
Mir said that while fiscal discipline and revenue recovery are important, such measures should not come at the cost of “basic human dignity and survival.”
According to the PDP leader, the government’s approach reflects a lack of sensitivity towards vulnerable households already coping with rising expenses and limited income opportunities.
He also questioned the status of the one-time power bill settlement scheme that had been promised in the National Conference’s election manifesto.
“People are still waiting for the relief that was promised,” Mir said, calling for clarity from the government on the implementation of the proposal.
The PDP leader urged authorities to adopt what he described as a more humane and balanced approach in dealing with consumers facing financial constraints.
“People deserve answers, and more importantly, they deserve relief,” he said. [KNT]
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