Bandipora, Feb 8: Power crisis in this north Kashmir town has taken an ugly turn with Power Development Department (PDD) officials feeling palled to venture out for their duties with infuriated people removing transmission lines and locking down PDD offices.
 PDD officials said the power crisis in the area seems to be turning into a law and order problem.
 With the people taking law in their hands owing to the alleged power failure and non-maintenance of transmission lines and transformers, PDD officials feeling insecure in performing field duties.
 A group of PDD daily-wagers told Greater Kashmir that they are being subjected to face the wrath of people.
 The protests against power failure and consequent assaults on PDD officials has now become a routine.
 Hundreds of irate people reportedly broke into PDD office at Sumbal following power breakdown in Saderkoot area for the past 20 days.
 There have been similar protests in others parts of the district, where angry residents have stormed sub-stations and beat up employees.
 Power protests have been reported from areas like Saderkoot, Putushay, Sumbal, Nowgam, Trahgam, Ajas and other adjoining areas where officials have been chased and even roughed up.
 Recently a Sarpanch from block Gund Khalil Sumbal was arrested for allegedly taking law in his hands and removing transmission lines that feed about 20 villages, besides making PDD officials and a magistrate hostage. Similarly protesters in Putushay Bandipora on February 1 made an attempt to manhandle PDD employees when they were on routine duty.
 Three PDD employees were reportedly beaten up by villagers at Sheikhpora Mantrigam while one of them identified as Ghulam Muhammad of PethKoot was critically injured.
 On Thursday locals in Sheikhpora Mantrigam allegedly beat to pulp three PDD officials leaving one critically injured when officials were removing damaged transformer for repair. Police has registered a case under section 353 RPC against erring villagers.
 Eyewitnesses told Greater Kashmir that villagers in Sheikhpora attacked PDD inspector, lineman and two casual laborers who were removing the damaged transformer.
 Meanwhile, the residents of Sheikhpora Mantrigam and adjoining villages on Friday took to streets against PDD, accusing the department of having failed to provide proper power besides failing to repair damaged transformers.
 Denying allegations of beating up of PDD officials, Haji Ghulam Qadir heading villager’s told Greater Kashmir nobody was assaulted or inured among PDD officials.
 “We were demanding proper power supply and repair of transformer but the attitude of PDD officials was harsh which led to the altercation,” Haji said.
 “One of the PDD employees was injured when he was pulling chains to lift the transformer. They are telling lies,” he said.
 Meanwhile, scores of PDD employees assembled outside office of PDD Division Bandipora demanding action against the erring villagers.
 “We have lodged FIR under section-353 against the culprits and matter is being investigated,” police told Greater Kashmir.
 However, Chief Engineer PDD Kashmir Muzaffar Mattoo expressed ignorance about the incident.
 “I don’t know anything, I will inquire,” Matoo told Greater Kashmir.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 8 Feb 2013 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 8 Feb 2013 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 9 Feb 2013 00:00:00 IST