Jammu Kashmir Leader Opposes Reduced Bill Installments Amid Overbilling Crisis

Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a JKJAAC leader, condemns a new policy reducing bill installment from 24 to 12 months. He stresses the original agreement with the government was for 24 installments and threatens non-payment if the terms are not honored. PoJK residents face significant economic hardships due to high electricity bills.

Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a local leader from the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), expressed his concerns over increasing electricity bills and opposed a new policy reducing the installment period from 24 months to 12 months.

"During our negotiations with the government, it was agreed that the overdue bills would be paid in 24 installments. However, today's notification requires payment within 12 months. We reject this notification and will adhere to the original agreement, or we won't pay the bills," Mir stated.

Mir highlighted that negotiations with the Chief Secretary of Pakistan-occupied-Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) led to a decision where overdue bills would be put on hold. While residents demanded a complete waiver to avoid significant revenue loss, a compromise was reached to waive charges for commercial establishments and cancel fuel adjustments. The remaining amount was to be paid in 24 installments.

Mir pointed out that domestic bills were to be calculated as per the new tariff once issued, then paid accordingly. Yet, the recent notification demanding payment within 12 months contradicts this agreement. "The Chief Secretary had verbally committed to this arrangement during a time of internet service disruption, and all parties were informed via social media," he added.

Mir reiterated JKJAAC's stance, warning that failure to honor the original agreement would result in non-payment of the bills. Overbilling has burdened PoJK residents, already coping with economic difficulties, prompting widespread protests for fair and transparent billing practices.

(With inputs from agencies.)