Srinagar, July 25 (Azadi Times): The occupying authorities in the illegally occupied Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on Tuesday cut off electricity in the Batamaloo area of Srinagar city after people protested against the installation of smart meters in the area.
A large number of people came out on the streets in Batamaloo and prevented the electricity department officials from installing smart meters in the area. The local people said that the occupying authorities cut off the electricity in the area in response and the area has been deprived of electricity since morning.
People said that immediately after the protest, the electricity was cut off. The consumers of Srinagar city are protesting against the Kashmir Power Distribution Company Limited (KPDCL) and there are protests against the installation of smart meters in all areas of the city. However, the occupying authorities did not miss the tussle and continued with the installation of smart meters.
A woman protester said that no one is ready to listen to us. The protesters who blocked traffic near the bus stand in Batamaloo said that the occupying authorities are enjoying themselves by sucking the blood of people out of poverty.
The protesters said that the smart meters are a way for the occupying authorities to further exploit the people of IIOJK. They said that the smart meters will not only increase the electricity bills but will also invade the privacy of the people.
The protesters demanded that the occupying authorities immediately withdraw the decision to install smart meters in IIOJK.
Here are some of the arguments of protestors against smart meters:
- Smart meters can increase anxiety in elderly or low-income households if they are constantly reminded of their energy use.
- Smart meters can be hacked, which could lead to unauthorized access to personal information or the ability to manipulate energy usage data.
- Smart meters can be used to track energy usage, which some people believe could be used to discriminate against certain groups of people.
The protests in Srinagar are the latest in a series of protests against smart meters in IIOJK. In recent months, there have been protests in several other cities in the region, including Jammu, Kupwara, and Pulwama. The protesters have raised a number of concerns about smart meters, including the increased cost of electricity, the invasion of privacy, and the potential for hacking.
The occupying authorities have defended the use of smart meters, saying that they will help to improve the efficiency of the electricity grid and reduce energy losses. However, the protesters have rejected these claims, saying that the smart meters are nothing more than a way for the occupying authorities to further exploit the people of IIOJK.
It remains to be seen whether the protests will force the occupying authorities to withdraw the decision to install smart meters in IIOJK. However, the protests have certainly raised awareness of the concerns that many people have about smart meters.