Hajjn: Residents of Hajin in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Saturday held a protest demonstration against the installation of smart meters here.

Scores of locals, mostly women, assembled on road in the Banger Mohalla area and staged demonstrations against the move. The protesters shouted slogans against the PDD for installing smart meters in the area.

“We are poor and cannot afford bills generated by these smart meters. If the government wants to install these meters, they should install these in the households that can afford bills,” said Haleema, a protester.

“Most of the protesters here have single bread earners and that too those who are doing menial jobs. Our children are jobless and how can they afford the hefty bills generated by these smart meters? Give our children jobs, then install meters here,” said another woman.

A PDD official told Kashmir Reader, “We came here to make people understand but no one is ready. The smart meter will only give new facilities and the power supply will also be better. It is unfortunate that in some areas people are resisting this progress.”

He said smart meters are being installed under a Centrally-sponsored scheme across the whole country and this is for good of everyone.

Last week, the installation of smart electricity meters sparked protests at Danger Mohallah and Mir Mohallah Hajin as well.

GOWHAR MAQBOOL