HT Correspondent
NAGAON, Aug 22: Pragatishil Nari Sangstha, Nagaon, and the Nagaon district unit of AIUDF separately staged protests on Thursday against the introduction of smart meters in the state.
The women’s organisation took out a rally from Nehrubali Field to the District Commissioner’s Office in Nagaon, demanding the immediate disconnection of smart meters in the state. During the protest, the agitators shouted various slogans calling for the disconnection of smart meters, reduction of electricity bills, and an end to the exploitation of electricity consumers.
Additionally, the participants also protested against the sexual harassment of women, girls, and adolescents. Mrinali Devi, the state president of the women’s organisation, stated that the smart meters installed by the BJP-led government have created significant problems for the common people. She highlighted that people are being forced to recharge their meters daily, and the price hike is making life difficult for the people of Nagaon district.
Devi described the introduction of smart meters as a draconian decision by the BJP-led government and demanded that the government stop the smart meter connections and restore the old meter system. She also expressed concern over the increasing incidents of rape and murder of women, girls, and adolescents, noting that such incidents have created a horrific situation of violence.
Referring to recent incidents of rape involving two minor girls in Nagaon, Devi expressed shock that a rapist was granted bail within 14 days. She demanded exemplary punishment for the rapists. Mrinali Devi, Himadri Senapati, Malbika Barua, Jon Deka, Pinky Saikia, and Basanti Das were among those who participated in the protest. The participants submitted two separate memoranda to the chief minister through the district commissioner regarding both issues.
Earlier, the Nagaon district unit of AIUDF also staged a protest near the District Commissioner’s Office, demanding an end to the exploitation of consumers through smart meters. The party leaders and workers shouted various slogans demanding the disconnection of smart meters, creating a turbulent atmosphere. The district unit of the party also submitted a memorandum to the chief minister and the Power minister through the district commissioner, seeking the immediate disconnection of smart meters in the state.
