Kulgam, Nov. 3 -- Residents of Wagay Mohalla Chamgund in south Kashmir's Kulgam district on Monday staged a peaceful protest against the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), demanding immediate replacement of old and damaged electricity poles and wires in their area.

The protesters said that since 2007, they have been using self-installed wooden poles to maintain electricity supply, as the department has failed to provide proper infrastructure. "For the last 18 years, we have been using wooden poles erected by locals. The LT line is completely damaged and dangerously hanging over dead poles, trees, and even windows," said one of the residents.

The locals added that while they welcome the department's ongoing smart met...