Long power cuts at night trouble residents

Long power cuts at night compelled by blackouts due to escalating tension between India and Pakistan have troubled residents, especially children and older people, as they are unable to get proper rest.

Even though cloudy weather conditions coupled with showers have brought the temperature substantially low during the last few days, it has started to rise again with each passing day. However, harsh days seem ahead for the residents with the weatherman predicting that the highest temperature would tough 43 degrees Celsius in the next week.

“Last night, power shutdown started at 8.30 pm and before that on Thursday, power went off at 9 pm. On both these days, power supply was restored only at 6 am next morning,” said Mahesh Kumar, a local resident. He complained that power outage at night forces people to have an uncomfortable time.

The rising tensions between the two countries have also started to impact other aspects of life as roads seem less crowded. Even as there are no restrictions on the movement of public during the daytime, most roads look deserted during the early morning and evening hours.

Shopkeepers said due to the rising tensions, the general public is refraining from spending money. “Suddenly, fruit too has become an unnecessary item for people. Maybe they are saving for other essential items as a large section of small shopkeepers, traders, rickshaw and auto-rickshaw drivers have been affected by the situation,” said Ram Kumar, a fruit vendor, who operates in Hall Gate area.

Though residents flocked kiryana shops and petrol pumps after the action taken by the armed forces on May 6, the markets at present are much quieter. The shopkeepers stated that decrease in the number of tourists from other places have also hit their businesses.

Amritsar