*Never promised power rates won’t increase: CM Omar on 6.83% electricity hike*

Srinagar, Aug 24 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the government had never promised that power rates would not increase, saying 200 units of free electricity would be implemented through solar scheme. He maintained that the tariff revision had no connection with the scheme.

Speaking to reporters, CM Omar, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the government had increased electricity rates by 6.83 per cent after four years, while pointing out that rates had previously been increased by more than 14 per cent during earlier governments and by around 15 per cent four years ago.

“We increased the rates by as little as we could. We are not celebrating the increase in electricity rates. It was a compulsion for us,” he said, adding that the need for such measures would reduce as losses in the power sector decline.

He also said the reshuffle would be done whenever required, but clarified that he had only ruled out the possibility of a reshuffle before August 15.

“There is no crisis in the government. Our work is going on. When there is a need for a reshuffle, we will do it,” he said.

Responding to a query on threats reportedly received by Kashmiri Pandit employees, Omar termed the issue a matter of concern and urged the police, security and intelligence agencies to conduct a thorough investigation.

“Such threats should not be taken lightly. Ensuring the safety and security of our employees is a major responsibility of the police,” he said.

Referring to incidents in the past when Pandit employees were targeted, Omar said the authorities must ascertain the source of the fresh threats and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of employees.

He added that the matter of law and order and security falls under the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, while urging the concerned agencies to conduct a full investigation—(KNO)