Mohammad Ashraf Mir leads party workers’ protest in Press Colony; condemns government’s “anti-people” decision
JK News Today
Srinagar, August 24: Apni Party leaders and workers on Monday gathered at Press Colony, Srinagar, and staged a massive protest against the government’s recent decision to approve an average 6.83 percent hike in power tariffs for 2026–27.
The protest was led by the party’s Provincial President, Mohammad Ashraf Mir. On the occasion, police stopped the protesters from proceeding out of Press Colony in the form of a procession.
The protesters raised slogans against the government, denouncing its decision to increase power tariffs and describing it as an anti-people measure.
Speaking to reporters later, Mohammad Ashraf Mir lashed out at the government over what he termed its “anti-people” decision to increase power tariffs. He criticised the move, saying that the tariff hike would add to the financial burden on ordinary consumers.
Mir said, “It is unfortunate that, despite being fully aware that people are already facing severe financial hardships due to growing unemployment, shrinking business opportunities and rising inflation, the government has chosen to increase power tariffs.”
He added, “This additional burden is simply not tolerable for ordinary citizens. We strongly demand that the government immediately roll back this decision and provide relief to the people.”
He also slammed the government for its failure to fulfil the promises it had made to the people.
“The ruling party had promised during the election campaign and in its manifesto that, after coming to power, it would provide 200 units of free electricity and free gas cylinders to every household. However, instead of keeping these promises, the government has now put an additional burden on the people by increasing power tariffs,” he said.
