Srinagar, Feb 14: Residents of Batwara, Srinagar, on Wednesday staged a protest against the ‘exorbitant’ electricity bills, demanding the removal of smart meters or a substantial reduction in bills.

The locals also blockade the National Highway, causing significant traffic disruptions for a long time.

Anguished locals, expressing frustration, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that their electricity bills for this month was nothing less than a shock for them as the bill is so high.

“I have never got such a huge electricity bill. The introduction of smart meters has only added to our woes. We demand immediate action from the authorities to either remove the meters or revise our bills,” said one of the protesters.

Another resident, Saleema voiced similar concerns, stating, the sudden surge in electricity bills has left many families struggling to make ends meet. It’s unfair to burden us with such hefty charges without any plausible explanation—(KNO)