Doda, September 5, 2026: The District Committee of the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party on Saturday staged a massive protest in Doda against the reported 7 per cent increase in electricity tariffs, as part of the party’s statewide protests against the hike.

The protest was led by Apni Party District President Doda Adil Hussain Wani and witnessed the participation of a large number of party leaders, office-bearers and workers. Raising slogans against the tariff increase, the protesters demanded its immediate rollback, saying that people were already facing economic hardships due to inflation and unemployment.

Addressing the gathering, Wani termed the tariff hike an “anti-people” decision, stating that the increase would place an additional financial burden on ordinary households, small traders and people dependent on limited incomes.

“At a time when common people are already reeling under inflation and unemployment, imposing a 7 per cent hike in electricity tariff is unjustified. The government must roll back this decision immediately in the interest of the public,” Wani said.

He said the government should have considered the financial difficulties being faced by families before increasing electricity charges. He maintained that electricity is an essential service and any increase in its cost directly affects household budgets and the cost of running small businesses.

The Apni Party leaders alleged that the tariff hike would impact domestic consumers as well as shopkeepers, small businesses and other economic activities. They urged the government to instead focus on improving power infrastructure, ensuring reliable electricity supply and addressing consumer grievances.

The protesters also called for greater consultation with consumers and stakeholders before taking decisions that have a direct financial impact on the public.

Among those who participated in the protest were Pawan Kumar, District President SC Cell Doda; Yasir Zaffar Butt, District Vice President; Tariq Hussain Zargar, District Secretary; Ashok Kumar, District Joint Secretary; Mohd. Farooq Butt, District Secretary; Kamran Ahmed Sheikh, District Secretary Youth; Parvez Ahmed Tantary, Block President Bhalla; Farooq Ahmed Butt; Ajaz Ahmed Rishu; Shib Lal; Mohd. Farooq Malik; Rajesh Bhagat; Mohd. Farooq Tantary; Niaz Ahmed, besides several other party leaders and workers.

The protesters reiterated their demand for the immediate withdrawal of the 7 per cent electricity tariff hike, urging the government to prioritise the economic well-being of the people.

The Apni Party said its protests against the tariff hike would continue across Jammu and Kashmir until the issue is addressed.