Rawalakot, Asif Ashraf: The Electricity Department in Azad Kashmir has ignited widespread public outrage by issuing electricity bills based on the old tariff. The majority of meter readers have refused to distribute these bills, citing heavy taxes and the government’s mishandling of previous financial aid.

Background and Financial Controversy:

During a boycott movement against the Shehbaz Sharif government, the Azad Kashmir administration secured a 23 billion rupee package intended to cover outstanding electricity bills and subsidies. Despite this, the government failed to pay the 4 billion rupees owed to WAPDA and instead directed citizens to pay their arrears in installments. New bills were promised to be based on the new tariff starting this month.

After a two-week delay, the Electricity Department released bills under the old tariff, which included substantial taxes. This action led to a refusal by most meter readers to distribute the bills, further fueling public anger. Citizens feel deceived by the government’s failure to utilize the substantial aid appropriately, sparking discussions about reigniting the boycott movement.

Public Discontent and Historical Context:

Public anger is further intensified by the government’s mishandling of subsidies. Historically, 12 billion rupees were needed for a wheat subsidy when the price was 3,600 rupees per maund.

Now, with the price reduced to 2,000 rupees per maund, the subsidy requirement should logically be lower. However, 19 billion rupees were still requested and received, raising questions about the allocation and use of funds.

A year-long movement in Azad Kashmir involved negotiations mediated by Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir. These talks, which included representatives from the Pakistan government, the Chief Secretary of Azad Kashmir, and senior officers from two intelligence agencies, resulted in the aid package.

The parliamentary party of PML-N Kashmir presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif the need for 4 billion rupees to settle WAPDA’s dues and 19 billion for wheat subsidy. Despite receiving these funds, the Azad Kashmir government did not settle the electricity dues, instead placing the burden back on the citizens.

Renewed Calls for Protests:

Citizens are also frustrated that, despite meeting the 400 MW electricity demand, WAPDA has not declared Azad Kashmir a load-shedding-free zone. This ongoing issue, coupled with the recent billing controversy, has led to renewed calls for protests and demands for accountability from the Azad Kashmir government.

The situation remains tense as the public seeks transparency and proper utilization of funds to prevent further economic strain on the citizens of Azad Kashmir.

According to the news agency Reuters, in the recent elections in India, Narendra Modi has once again succeeded in securing a majority and is prepared to become Prime Minister for the third consecutive time.

Experts had predicted Modi’s victory with a significant majority in the elections, but contrary to that, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has suffered a severe setback for the first time in a decade, while the opposition alliance led by the Indian National Congress has gained a significant number of seats.

With the arrival of the election results, Indian investors faced a major setback, with a downturn in the stock market, indicating that this time, Modi, who came to power in 2014 for the first time, will have to rely on at least three regional parties to form a government.

The Bharatiya Janata Party had won a simple majority in the 2014 elections and then secured an even better performance in 2019, which allowed their party to make unilateral decisions based on a strong foundation.

According to NDTV, as of the current results, under the leadership of the BJP, the ruling alliance National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has secured superiority in 292 out of 543 seats in the lower house of parliament, thus crossing the required figure of 272 seats to form the government.

This number is considerably lower compared to the seats won in 2014 and 2019, where the BJP won 281 and 303 seats respectively, and similarly, the number of seats for the NDA was higher.

Under the leadership of the Indian National Congress, the opposition alliance ‘India’ has secured superiority in 232 seats.

Despite unexpected results in the elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked the public for their continued trust in the BJP and the NDA.

In their statement on the social networking site ‘X’, they expressed gratitude for the love and said that they would continue the series of good works done during the past decade.

They thanked the BJP members, saying that they would not be able to do justice to their splendid efforts.

Srinagar: Engineer Sheikh Abdul Rashid, known as Engineer Rashid, has achieved a remarkable victory in the Indian Lok Sabha elections, despite being imprisoned in Tihar Jail for the past five years.

Rashid secured over 100,000 votes, defeating former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and BJP-aligned People’s Conference candidate Sajjad Gani Lone from North Kashmir (Indian administered).

Engineer Rashid, the leader of the Awami Ittehad Party, has been a vocal advocate for the right to self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He has served twice as a member of the legislative assembly and was known for his outspoken demands within the legislative assembly.

Rashid was arrested under charges related to terrorism funding and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) following the Indian constitutional changes on August 5, 2019.

His detention has been seen as part of a broader crackdown on both traditional and non-traditional leadership in Jammu and Kashmir.

Despite his imprisonment, Rashid decided to contest the Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate. His sons, Abrar Rashid and Israr Rashid, led his campaign in his absence, garnering significant public support. This overwhelming support led to his victory over two major candidates who had been campaigning for months.

Engineer Rashid’s electoral success is seen not just as a personal triumph but as a symbol of the enduring resistance and demand for self-determination among the people of North Kashmir.

His victory underscores a significant shift in the political landscape, reflecting the resilience and determination of Kashmiri citizens to have their voices heard despite ongoing challenges.