Pattan, 04 March 2023,(KAT): Residents of Pattan area of Baramulla district on Saturday held a protest demonstration and blocked National highway against the installation of smart meters in the area
Reports reaching—(Kashmir Abb Tak) that Locals including men & women, blocked the National highway near PDD Office and staged demonstrations against the installation of newly smart Meters in the area.
The protesting residents urged administration to revisit the decision of installation of smart meters in the area saying that they can't afford to pay the excessive bills generated by the devices.
One of the protesters also told Most of the protestors here have single bread earners and that too those who are doing labourer jobs.
She said that Their children's are jobless and how can they pay the hefty bills generated by these smart meters. They claimed that they won’t allow installation of these smart meters and will continue to hit roads if Authorities will force them.
She added that their household budget is already stressed owing to the skyrocketing prices of essentials, and they would be unable to meet any additional expenses.
Protesters blocked the National highway road leading to traffic jams in the vicinity. However, after police & Tehsildar Pattan intervened, the protestors dispersed peacefully.
Notably, J&K Government started The process of installing smart meters in December 2020 to control electricity thefts in the UT.
it's however pertinent to mention that several areas of Kashmir valley have also opposed this move & protested in the recent past against the installation of smart meters—(KAT)