Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Aug 25
National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday linked Jammu and Kashmir’s electricity tariff dispute to its wider dependence on New Delhi, saying the region needed to become economically self-reliant.
Asked whether the government should review the recent electricity tariff increase, Abdullah questioned how long Jammu and Kashmir would continue to rely on the Centre for financial support.
“How long will you beg from Delhi?” he asked.
Abdullah also linked economic dependence to demands for restoration of Article 370.
“You want Article 370, but you beg. Two things cannot be combined,” he said.
He said Jammu and Kashmir needed to strengthen its economic position if it wanted to retain its dignity.
“If you want your respect, then first try to stand on your feet,” he said.
The comments came amid political opposition to the 6.83% average electricity tariff increase approved by JERC for 2026-27.
The revised tariffs are due to take effect from Sept. 1.
Opposition parties have protested against the increase, while industry representatives have raised concerns over higher electricity costs.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has defended the increase as a “compulsion” and said his government remained committed to providing 200 units of free electricity to eligible households.
The promise was a key issue in the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, when the National Conference campaigned on providing 200 units of free electricity to households.
Asked later about reported crimes against women, Farooq Abdullah attributed the problem to what he described as a growing distance from religious values.
“We are Muslims by name, not Muslims by deeds,” he said.
