Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 3: The public held massive protest demonstration and observed bandh at Vijaypur in Samba and Pargwal in Akhnoor sub-division against the Power Development Department today.
Reports said a large number of people including members of Beopar Mandal Vijaypur came out on the road and took out a protest rally against PDD authorities in the main bazaar. The traders closed their establishments and joined the protest and then started protest demonstration at the main chowk. They however, did not block the National Highway and continued protest against the PDD authorities Vijaypur.
Irate people were raising slogans against Minister in-charge Power, Chief Engineer PDD Jammu and concerned Executive Engineer at Vijaypur Division. They alleged that for the last few weeks the people of the areas are facing lot of problems as power has been suspended due to break down in the transformers. The water supply has also been hit. Concerned PDD staff causes discrimination and in some areas unnecessary long cuts are imposed. During these hot summer days, long and unscheduled power curtailment has made life miserable. They said there is problem of low voltage and hardly 6 to 7 hours power is provided in a day. They also demanded upgradation in the power infrastructure.
Later, Additional DC Samba Rajesh Kumar reached the spot along with some senior police officers. He assured to take up the issue with the concerned authorities and resolve the issue. Later, a delegation of the locals also met the ADC and discussed the matter.
Meanwhile, massive protest demonstration was held by the people of Pargwal area against the local PDD authorities. The people led by Sarpanchs and Panchs of the area came out on the road and held protest demonstration. The shopkeepers also closed their establishments and raised slogans against local Junior Engineer and Meter Reader of the area. The agitating public also burnt the effigy of the PDD Minister.
They alleged that concerned PDD field staff collected revenue from the consumers and did not deposit in the bank/ treasury. They were provided bills and asked to deposit the amount which they had already paid to the field staff worth lakhs. They demanded inquiry and action against the concerned PDD staff. The SHO concerned reached the spot and then he and Sarpanch spoke to the Chief Engineer PDD on phone who assured an impartial inquiry into the matter and take action if they were found guilty. Later, people lifted dharna.
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