Against removal of smart meters, Congress party held major protest

Guwahati: A major protest by Congress workers against the removal of smart meters turned violent in Karimganj on September 2 leading to clashes with police.

The Congress demonstration, which was staged outside the local electricity distribution office, was a strong reaction to the public outcry over the inconvenience the smart meters were causing. The rally, which sought the removal of those devices, drew large crowds and heightened tensions.

The situation escalated with the intervention of police in the scene to disperse the protesters. Several were injured during the confrontation, and protesters were forcefully shifted into a nearby forest area.

The Asomiya Yuva Mancha carried out another protest at Lakhimpur by sweeping away models of smart meters into the River Ranganadi. It comes after AASU did a “Funeral Cortege” demonstration against the issue of smart meters.

The protest by the AYM lambasted the Government of Assam, the Electricity Department, and the ruling BJP for their role in the handling of the smart meter installation. The organization has called for an immediate halt to installing smart meters and asked for the resignation of Power Minister Nandita Garlosa, holding her responsible for failing to resolve the controversy.

Smart meters are sucking the blood of common people. The extravagant amounts shown on the bills every month have caused big sufferings,” said Anupam Saikia, AYM central committee secretary.

The AYM warned that protests would be intensified if the government did not immediately stall smart meter installations.