Irked by power outages, people stage sit-in on railway tracks

Mirzapara Phuleli residents erect barricades at Tandothoro railway gate

HYDERABAD:

Long and unannounced load-shedding by Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) continues even during the month of Muharram in Hyderabad. Agitated residents staged a sit-in at the railway gate, disrupting train movement due to the failure to replace damaged transformers in various areas.

HESCO officials have ignored the Sindh government's directives to avoid unannounced and prolonged load-shedding during Muharram. Not only is unannounced load-shedding common, but steps are also not being taken to timely repair and replace damaged power transformers.

Residents of Mirzapara Phuleli, a densely populated area, protested against the power cuts, erecting barricades at Tandothoro railway gate. A large number of women, children, and mourners participated in the sit-in. The Mehran Express from Karachi to Mirpurkhas had to be stopped on an emergency basis before the gate. The protest also suspended traffic on both sides of the railway gate, causing long queues of vehicles.

Protesters stated that religious activities during Muharram in Mirzapara have been severely affected. Despite the area's sensitive nature, the local transformer remains damaged. A complaint was lodged with HESCO, but no action was taken. Mourning processions and majalis are disrupted due to the power outage.

The protesters demanded the immediate replacement of the transformer. Upon receiving the information, police from various stations, including Panyari, arrived at the scene and held talks with the protesters. However, the protesters refused to disperse. The police contacted HESCO officials, assuring the protesters that electricity supply would be restored soon.