IIOJK’s Power Crisis: Public Outrage Amid Governance Crisis

IIOJK reels under severe power cuts, disrupting lives and sparking protests as the government scrambles to address the crisis.

Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) is in the grip of a worsening power crisis, with widespread and unscheduled power cuts crippling essential services and daily life across the IIOJK Valley. Hospitals, businesses, and educational institutions are bearing the brunt of the disruptions, further aggravating public frustration.

The crisis has triggered street protests, with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) staging demonstrations in Srinagar. Protesters condemned the administration’s failure to provide consistent electricity, questioning the utility of recently installed smart meters that have not prevented the outages.

In response to mounting pressure, the Divisional Commissioner acknowledged the power shortages, attributing them to increased demand driven by an early winter. The government has announced the formation of a committee to purchase electricity from the Northern Grid. However, the high cost remains a significant hurdle, with current rates reaching Rs 42 per unit compared to the Rs 3-4 rate paid by local consumers.

Key concerns revolve around how the cost discrepancy will be managed. It remains unclear whether the burden will be passed on to consumers or absorbed by the government. This ambiguity fuels fears of greater economic strain on the region’s residents, already grappling with economic hardship.

Critics argue that the crisis is part of India’s broader strategy to impose collective punishment on Kashmiris, undermining the National Conference (NC) government’s credibility. As the situation escalates, calls for accountability and effective solutions grow louder, underscoring the urgent need for intervention to stabilize the region’s power supply.