Jammu’s power dept. seeks FIR against 10 locals over opposing smart metering in Kishtwar

JPDCL seeks FIR against 10 locals, including 3 women, for obstructing smart meter installation in Kishtwar district.

The Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) on Friday pressed for a First Information Report (FIR) against 10 locals, including three women, of Kishtwar district who protested against smart metering in the district recently.

A complaint moved by the JPDCL before the J&K Police named 10 locals, including three women. “I would like to bring to your kind attention repeated incidents wherein during the execution of public works in regards to the hurdles being created in Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) Smart metering at Umar Mohalla Kishtwar,” the complaint reads.

It alleged that the 10 locals on February 20 “again obstructed the execution of government work i.e. installation of smart meters in their area”.

“These persons along with several men/women assembled and created unlawful assembly and deliberately obstructed our work. Despite repeated requests for cooperation from the last 4-5 days and persuasions thereof, the mentioned persons impeded the work, thereby causing significant delay in the smart metering job,” it said.

The JPDCL alleged the locals “intentionally blocked the road and obstructed the executing team from proceeding further, thereby delaying the prestigious project...In light of the above, it is requested to lodge an FIR under relevant sections of law against the accused persons and bring them to book under law,” it said.

The move has been criticised by opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “Your (J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah) actions and inactions have only added to the miseries of the people of J&K. 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,” PDP leader Firdous Tak said.

He said even more distressing is that out of the ten people booked, seven are dedicated workers of your own party, “individuals whose families have, for generations, stood by and strengthened your organization”.