Panpatty APDCL Office Gheraoed, Congress Ramps Up Protests in Barak Valley Against Smart Meters

*Panpatty APDCL Office Gheraoed, Congress Ramps Up Protests in Barak Valley Against Smart Meters*

In a show of force against the alleged imposition of smart meters for electricity billing, the Indian National Congress today organized a major protest, a “Gherao Program” in Silchar, demanding an immediate halt to the use of these meters. The protest took place outside the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) office in Panpatty, Silchar, where district Congress members, led by former Minister Ajit Singh, blocked the gate and staged a fierce demonstration.

The protest is part of a larger movement initiated by the Congress across the Barak Valley. Just yesterday, Congress members, along with various party wings, held similar protests at the Udharbond APDCL office in Cachar district and the Badarpur APDCL office in Karimganj. The momentum carried forward today as Congress workers gathered in front of the APDCL office in Silchar, demanding the immediate removal of smart meters.

Tensions escalated during the protest as a scuffle broke out between the protesters and the police, resulting in the detention of all demonstrators. Security was heightened around the APDCL office in anticipation of the unrest.

Former Minister Ajit Singh addressed the gathering, expressing the party’s strong opposition to the smart meters. “APDCL smart meters are like a noose around the neck of the masses,” he said. “Our party is demonstrating in front of all APDCL offices across Assam. We demand that these smart meters be removed and replaced with the old ones. If our demand is not met, we will escalate our movement until it is”, said the former minister on Wednesday.

Voicing similar sentiments, a leader of the Mahila Congress questioned the sudden spike in electricity bills following the introduction of smart meters. “We demand the immediate removal of these meters. The exponential rise in bills is outrageous—56,000 to even 1 Lakh rupees for one month’s electricity for a household is beyond unreasonable. This government’s close ties with corporate giants like Adani and Ambani are highly questionable, and the people are bearing the cost.”

Cachar District Congress President Abhijit Paul echoed these concerns, calling the situation untenable for ordinary citizens. “After these prepaid connections were introduced, people are being charged three times their previous bills. This is not just a Congress movement; it is the voice of the common man. Our Chief Minister is turning a deaf ear, continuing his ‘Hitler Raj,’ and prioritizing the interests of Adani and Ambani over the people. Congress has always stood by the people during hard times, and we will continue our movement until justice is served.”

The protest saw the participation of several senior Congress leaders, including Assam Pradesh Congress Vice President Tapash Purkayastha. Members of the Mahila Congress, Youth Congress, and NSUI also joined the protest, emphasizing their collective stand against the smart meters.

As the protests continue to gain momentum, the Congress party has vowed to intensify its movement unless the government addresses their demands and reverts to the old electricity billing system.