The shopkeepers in Sumbal subdivision of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district Thursday shut their businesses in protest against the Power Development Department (PDD) for failing to provide uninterrupted electric supply to the area.
Locals Tuesday evening made the announcements of shutdown over loudspeakers to register a peaceful protest against the PDD on Thursday.
“The call was given by the locals of the area and Masjid Auqaf committees also took part while the traders also supported it at their request,” Sumbal Trade Union President, Jaan Muhammad told Greater Kashmir.
Thursday witnessed a complete shutdown with all shops in the main town shutting in protest against the PDD.
Locals said that the PDD was providing erratic power supply to the area which was costing loss to both the small and big businesses besides making things difficult for the locals in the chilling cold.
Another local, Naseer Ahmad said that they hardly get half-an-hour of continuous power supply.
However, the PDD officials said that the Markundul receiving ration was bearing extra load and work on it was going on to mitigate that problems of the people.
“One of the two 10 MW transformers has been installed. The problem will be resolved in 20 to 25 days,” they said.
The protest was called off after the assurances of the Sub District Magistrate, Sumbal.