Leepa Valley: Residents of Leepa Valley in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) are grappling with prolonged electricity shortages, sparking outrage and threats of mass protests. Local political leader and businessman Aftab Hussain Qureshi, a candidate of local body elections, has issued a stern warning to authorities to resolve the crisis or face widespread unrest.
Persistent Load Shedding Despite Improved Resources
The 1.6 MW Power House Leepa, a key electricity source for the remote valley, has reportedly seen improved water flow from the Nala Qazi Nag stream in recent days. However, locals claim erratic load shedding continues unabated, disrupting daily life and Ramadan rituals. Qureshi, a prominent advocate for infrastructure development, accused the Power Development Department (PDD) of negligence, stating, “The water shortage excuse no longer holds. Authorities must explain why load shedding persists despite adequate resources to end it.”
Ramadan Hardships Amplify Frustration
With families preparing pre-dawn sehri meals and night prayers extending into late hours, uninterrupted power supply is critical. “Students study by candlelight, businesses suffer, and elderly residents endure unbearable conditions,” Qureshi lamented. He emphasized the plant’s operational capacity, urging officials to prioritize Leepa’s needs and permanently halt load shedding.
Political Pressure Mounts
Qureshi, leveraging his dual role as a businessman and politician, has positioned himself as a community spokesperson. He warned of an imminent “full-scale protest movement” if demands are ignored, reflecting broader discontent in the region. Leepa Valley, is located approximately 90 km from Muzaffarabad, AJK, near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir’s mountainous terrain, has long faced infrastructural neglect, with residents citing poor road connectivity and unreliable utilities.
Context: A Valley in the Shadows
Leepa’s 1.6 MW power plant, though modest, is a lifeline for its scattered villages. Seasonal water shortages historically limited output, but recent snowmelt has bolstered the Nala Qazi Nag stream, making the ongoing outages inexplicable to locals. The PDD has yet to respond publicly, fueling speculation about mismanagement or resource diversion.
International Implications
As Kashmir remains a focal point of geopolitical tensions, grassroots issues like Leepa’s power crisis highlight the human impact of administrative bottlenecks. Observers note that unmet basic needs risk deepening alienation in marginalized communities.
With Ramadan’s end approaching, the clock is ticking for authorities to address Leepa’s grievances. Qureshi’s ultimatum underscores a broader demand for accountability in AJK’s rural heartlands. For now, residents brace for either resolution or revolt, their patience worn thin by darkness in a month of light.
This story is developing. Updates to follow.
