In what could be termed as punitive action against the local population for resisting the installation of smart meters, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has snapped the power supply to Rainawari areas of Srinagar city.

The move triggered a protest on Thursday. Dozens of ladies hit to the road and blocked the traffic at the main chowk Rainawari here in old Srinagar city.

Amid slogans against the KPDCL and the administration, the protesters said that for the last two days, parts of Rainawari have been reeling under darkness. They alleged that KPDCL snapped the power supply to punish them for resisting the installation of smart meters.

“KPDCL is acting as a dictator, seeking help from law enforcement agencies to suppress people. We won’t be able to pay hefty power bills if smart meters are installed in our area. The government is forcing us to bow down,” one of the female protesters said.

The installation of smart meters has created protests everywhere in Srinagar city. In some places, agitated people damaged the smart meters, prompting KPDCL to register police cases against the protesters.