Srinagar, Feb 27 (Reporter) Police foiled the march of Apni Party workers to Lal Chowk in Srinagar on Thursday in protest against the frequent power cuts and high electricity bills in Kashmir valley. Police stopped the protesting Apni Party workers and leaders who were holding placards at the party headquarters at Sheikhbagh and not allowed them to proceed towards the business hub Lal Chowk. Talking to media persons Apni Party leader Muntazir Mohiuddin said that “we had informed the authorities through social media platform and print media ten days ago about our demands including restoration of power supply to those households who were disconnected for non-payment of dues in Srinagar and other areas of the valley ahead of the commencement of holy month of Ramadhan”. Secondly Mohiuddin said "the party had demanded the amnesty being provided to customers on electricity fee should be extended beyond the month of March to enable poor people to pay their dues in instalments". He said the government had promised in their manifesto to provide 200 units of electricity free to the customers. “Obviously some paperwork and technical hiccups are there in the issue that we understand. But we are demanding the tariff the authorities have increased to the customers covered under flat rate to Rs 2700, Rs 3200 and Rs 3500 respectively should be sledged down until the authorities issue 200 units free to the customers”, the Apni Party leader said and added “the rates should be brought down to Rs 800, Rs 1000 and 1200 against the flat rate customers”. He said the party had decided to take out a procession today from the Party office to the Press Enclave via Lal Chowk so that our voices reach to the government in favour of our demands. Meanwhile Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari condemned the administration for stopping party leaders and workers from holding protest demonstrations against the ongoing power crisis and preventing their procession from reaching Lal Chowk. Taking to his X handle, Bukhari posted, “It is highly condemnable that the administration forcefully stopped the protest by Apni Party leaders and workers, preventing them from proceeding towards Lal Chowk.” “This was a peaceful protest against the ongoing power crisis, aimed at demanding an uninterrupted power supply during the upcoming month of Ramzan, halting disconnections for non-payment by marginalized people, and restoring their connections in view of the holy month. Since people are already grappling with an economic crisis, we urge the government to extend the amnesty beyond March 2025,” he added. The post further reads, “I strongly condemn the high-handed actions of the police and administration. Let me make it clear that nothing will deter us from raising genuine public issues and grievances. I also applaud my party colleagues—both leaders and workers—who gathered to register a strong protest despite the heavy rainfall...////...