KISHTWAR, FEBRUARY 21 – The Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against ten individuals in Kishtwar, including three women, for allegedly obstructing a power restoration operation and damaging public infrastructure. The move has sparked political controversy, with opposition leaders accusing the administration of targeting innocent residents amid ongoing protests over electricity issues.
The FIR has drawn sharp criticism from People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader and former Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) Firdous Tak. In a tweet directed at National Conference leader and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir union territory Omar Abdullah, Tak accused the administration of criminalizing party workers for resisting what he called an “arbitrary and unjust action.”
“In a deeply concerning development, your department—under your charge as the in-charge minister—has booked innocent individuals for merely resisting an arbitrary and unjust action,” Tak wrote. “What makes this even more distressing is that out of 10, 7 are dedicated workers of your own party—individuals whose families have, for generations, stood by and strengthened your organization. The 3 women among them were at the forefront of your party’s campaign, tirelessly working for your cause. Yet today, on the complaint of your officials, they find themselves criminalized for their loyalty and dedication.”
He further accused the administration of adopting tactics similar to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating, “We have long resisted BJP’s high-handedness and its attempts to criminalize dissent. Today, with your actions, you have chosen to walk the same path.”
The controversy comes amid a growing agitation under the “Mission Free Bijli for Kishtwar” movement, which has been active since the last week of January. Kishtwar district, home to multiple hydroelectric projects, has seen increasing demands for free electricity, with residents arguing that they suffer environmental damage without receiving any direct benefits from power generation in the region.
Protesters highlight frequent tremors, land subsidence, and structural damage to homes due to the transportation of heavy machinery and ongoing construction work for power projects. Despite Kishtwar’s expected contribution of over 6,000 MW from upcoming hydroelectric projects, locals say they receive little in return.
Meanwhile, resistance to smart meter installations has intensified in the Chenab Valley. On February 21 (Friday), the Bharat Kisan Union (BKU) submitted a petition against smart meters in Doda’s Thathri, urging authorities to reconsider their implementation.
BKU District President Abrar Ul Haq told The Chenab Times, “Where we deserve free electricity, day by day new things are imposed on us. We are not against smart meters, but this is not the right time for installation, as people in the Chenab Valley are struggling due to backwardness. Right now, we need Pahari status and reservation to uplift our people, as the majority here depend on labor and agriculture.”
He further highlighted the environmental hardships faced by the region, saying, “Other people may experience earthquakes once a year, but we suffer daily vibrations in our houses due to the heavy machinery transported through our areas day and night. We are enduring environmental disasters like frequent earthquakes and land subsidence. Hydroelectric projects being built nearby are expected to generate over 6,000 MW of electricity, yet we receive none of the benefits. We should be given free electricity, as we deserve it.”
The petition urged authorities to immediately halt the installation of smart meters and warned that continued enforcement could lead to public resentment and legal challenges.
With ongoing protests over free electricity and increasing resistance to smart meters, the FIR against Kishtwar residents has added to the public anger. While JPDCL maintains that the FIR was filed based on operational concerns, opposition leaders and activists argue that it is a move to suppress dissent.
The situation remains tense, with political parties and civil society groups closely monitoring developments. Many believe the administration’s response in the coming days will determine whether tensions escalate further or are resolved through dialogue.
(Update: The headline was updated minutes after this story was published)
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times
