Cops Lathi-charge Dalit Protesters in Jammu Over Smart Meter Installation

Consumers angry over inflated bills, question high prices amid low generation costs

Amin Zutshi

KATHUA: A peaceful protest against the installation of smart electric meters in Kathua district of Jammu province, turned violent on Tuesday when police resorted to lathi-charge against Dalit demonstrators. The incident has sparked outrage over the police conduct and the controversial smart meter policy.

Activists from Jan Jagriti Manch (JJM) and Ambedkar Sena Mool Nivasi (ASM), along with residents, organized a rally from Shaheedi Chowk to the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Kathua. The protesters, predominantly from the Dalit community, voiced their opposition to the mandatory installation of smart electric meters in their area.

Demonstrators chanted slogans such as “JK Police Murdabad,” “We Won’t Tolerate Dictatorship,” and “LG Manoj, BJP govt down down.” They also burned an effigy of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to express their discontent with the administration’s policies.

As the rally approached the DC office, police attempted to disperse the crowd and prevent the burning of the effigy. The situation escalated when law enforcement officials allegedly used batons against the peaceful protesters, including women. Eyewitnesses reported that several demonstrators sustained injuries during the police action.

Following the clash, police detained several prominent protest leaders: Sanjay Kumar (President, Jan Jagriti Manch), Pradeep Ambedkari (President, Ambedkar Sena Mool Nivasi), Sunny Dogra (President, Student Action Front), and Aman Azad.

One of the demonstrators, Balbir Kumar, provided a detailed account of the day’s events and the protesters’ concerns. He alleged that the protestors including women were assaulted by the police as a result many of them sustained injuries.

According to Kumar, five key activists were detained by police, including JJM President Sanjay Kumar, ASM President Pradeep Ambedkari, SAF President Sunny Dogra, and Aman Azad. He reported instances of police violence, stating that officers pushed female demonstrators at Shaheedi Chowk and later physically assaulted protesters outside the DC office, resulting in injuries to several participants.

Kumar accused the police of deception, claiming they falsely told protesters to disperse due to an incoming bureaucrat. He expressed fears that authorities might fabricate charges against demonstrators, citing a perceived history of such actions. Kumar also highlighted concerns about intimidation, noting that some protesters who are government employees or students have been threatened with legal action if they continue the protest.

Despite these challenges, Kumar stated that supporters were gathering outside the police station, with members of civil society joining in solidarity. He warned of potential escalation, indicating that if the detained activists were not released, they were prepared to mobilize more people to join their protest.

The sister of detained activist Sanjay Kumar expressed worry about her brother’s well-being, stating that the family had only received information about his detention through news reports.

Smart Meter Controversy

The protest in Jammu is part of a larger nationwide debate surrounding the installation of smart electric meters. Similar demonstrations have taken place in other parts of India, including Mumbai, where the local electricity distributor BEST recently halted its smart meter installation program due to public outcry.

Consumers in Jammu, as well as other regions of J&K, report receiving significantly higher electricity bills after smart meter installation. Reports suggest that the smart meters are being manufactured by companies affiliated with prominent industrialists Gautam Adani and the Tata Group, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.

The proposed smart meter system operates on a prepaid model, similar to pre-paid mobile phone plans. Critics argue this could lead to automatic power cuts for those unable to maintain a positive balance.

Protesters in Kathua demanded that they should receive free or heavily subsidized electricity, given that their region’s water resources are used for power generation that benefits other parts of India.

Government & Protestor Stance

While official comments on this specific incident were not immediately available, the central government has consistently promoted smart meters as a way to improve efficiency in the power sector and reduce losses due to theft and non-payment.

Meanwhile, civil society groups have begun mobilizing support for the detained activists. Protesters have vowed to escalate their demonstrations if their demands are not accepted and the detained leaders are not released promptly.

Residents of Jammu and Kashmir have intensified their protests, demanding greater control over their natural resources.

The protestors argue that local water bodies, which are being used to generate electricity, are not providing them with a fair share of the benefits. The protesters claim that, given the exploitation of their resources, they should receive free electricity as compensation.

Late in the evening, all the detained protestors were released by the police.

Courtesy: Kashmir Times

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