Protest erupts against smart meter installation in Pulwama

PULWAMA — Local women took to the roads on Tuesday and held a protest against the installation of smart meters in Malikpora area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama town.

The women congregated on a major Pulwama-Kakapora road to protest the installation of the latest electricity meters. Consequently, the traffic movement was halted.

“Since we come from a middle-class background, we cannot afford to pay for the meters. We insist that the meters be withdrawn from our areas and neighbourhoods where they have already been installed,” a woman protester said, without identifying herself.

Another protester argued, “We belong to middle-class families and have limited sources of income. We currently receive an electricity bill in the range of Rs 800 to Rs 950 per month, but we are willing to accept a flat-rate bill of Rs 1100. But these meters ought to be uninstalled and not put to use.”

The protesters requested that all the existing, installed electricity meters be uninstalled and that no new meters be put in. “We hope that our pleas find an ear among the union territory administration officials,” the protesters pleaded.

Later, policemen including SHO Pulwama visited the spot and tried to pacify the protesters with the assurance that the matter will be brought to the notice of authorities. Also, traffic movement was restored soon afterwards.