Kulgam, Aug 23: CPI(M) Leader and MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami on Sunday said he would raise his voice in the Assembly against the hike in electricity tariffs, saying the government must answer for placing an additional burden on people already facing inflation.
Tarigami was speaking to reporters after addressing the sixth district-level conference of the CPI(M) in Kulgam.
The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has approved an average 6.83 per cent increase in electricity tariffs for Jammu and Kashmir from September 1, 2026. The revised rates will remain applicable till March 31, 2027. The increase varies across consumer categories.
Referring to the tariff hike, Tarigami said the issue would come up in the forthcoming Assembly session and that the government would have to provide answers.
He said people were waiting for the commitments made in the government’s manifesto to be fulfilled, particularly those related to electricity, and questioned the rationale of increasing the financial burden on people struggling with rising prices.
Tarigami said the government should find ways to fulfil its promises and provide relief to ordinary people rather than adding to their difficulties.
Referring to recent protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir over increases in flour prices and electricity charges, he said governments should learn from such developments.
People already living under poverty, he said, could not be subjected to further burdens through higher electricity costs, inflation and other expenses.
Tarigami said he had voted for the present government and would continue to support it, but made it clear that such support came with conditions and that the government must fulfil the commitments it had made to the people.
On the political situation in the country, Tarigami said recent developments in Delhi had opened space for people to raise questions and speak on issues that had remained suppressed.
He said civil liberties, including the right to assemble, hold protests and express dissent, must be protected. He also emphasised the need for press freedom, saying journalists should continue to report on issues concerning the public despite pressure.
