Opposition Parties Protest 6.83% Power Tariff Hike Across Srinagar

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party held separate protests in Srinagar on Monday against the recently approved increase in electricity tariffs, demanding that the hike be withdrawn. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The protests came after the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) approved an average 6.83 per cent increase in retail electricity tariffs for consumers served by the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL).

The revised electricity tariffs will come into effect from September 1, 2026, and will remain in force until March 31, 2027.

PDP Protests Outside Party Headquarters

The PDP held its demonstration outside the party headquarters in Srinagar, where party leaders and workers carried banners and placards opposing the tariff increase.

Protesters criticised the National Conference-led government, alleging that the higher electricity charges would place an additional financial burden on households.

They also questioned the tariff revision in light of promises made by the National Conference during its election campaign regarding free electricity.

Apni Party Holds Protest at Press Enclave

Separately, the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party staged a demonstration at Press Enclave in Srinagar.

The protest was led by party leader Muhammad Ashraf Mir, with participants carrying placards and raising slogans against the revised electricity tariffs.

Protesters also raised slogans including “Omar Teri Sarkar Mein Andhera Hi Andhera Hai”, while criticising the government over the decision to increase electricity charges.

Parties Demand Withdrawal of Tariff Increase

Both opposition parties called for the electricity tariff increase to be reconsidered and demanded that the government take steps to protect consumers from additional financial pressure.

The protests reflect growing political opposition to the revised tariffs ahead of their implementation on September 1, with the parties urging the authorities to review the decision and provide relief to electricity consumers across Jammu and Kashmir.