SILCHAR, June 23: There has been widespread anger and resentment against the failure of Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB) now rechristened as Assam Power Distribution Company Limited to ensure regular and uninterrupted supply of power across Barak Valley. Angry protest demonstrations have been taking place in different parts of the three districts, both in urban and rural areas, against long period of load shedding, crippling normal life. Even at late night, there is no respite from power cuts which have become unbearable for people due to hot and sultry weather. The mercury has soared to 32 degree Celsius with no prospect of rains and cooling down of the temperature.
All Cachar Karimganj and Hailakandi Students' Association (ACKHSA) in its continuous phase of agitation against the irritating situation today laid siege of the offices of ASEB located in different parts of the town including the administrative headquarters of general manger and paralysed their functioning.
The stereotype explanation given by the authorities concerned is that in the absence of adequate rains, power plants cannot generate enough electricity to feed the needs of this valley which is estimated around 90 MW daily, but the feed back is to the tune of 18 MW only. The people's ire isall the more heightened by the hike in the unit charge of electricity consumed by the ASEB. (sentinelAssam)