AGARTALA: Scores of agitated citizens led by the Tripura Electric Consumers’ Association staged a massive demonstration outside Bidyut Bhavan on Friday, fiercely protesting the state government’s decision to hike electricity tariffs. The protesters raised slogans against the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) and demanded an immediate roll-back of the increased rates.
The association leaders slammed the tariff hike, calling it a “cruel blow” to the middle-class and economically weaker sections who are already reeling under the pressure of inflation. They pointed out that instead of improving the frequent power outages, load shedding, and erratic billing systems across the state, the power department is burdening ordinary consumers with extra financial pressure.
A heavy police contingent was deployed outside Bidyut Bhavan to prevent any untoward incidents as protesters tried to breach the security barricades.
Later, a delegation from the association submitted a formal memorandum to senior power department officials outlining their grievances. The association warned the administration that if the tariff hike is not reversed within seven days, they will mobilize a massive, state-wide agitation and boycott paying electricity bills in protest.