UNPRECENDENTED SNOWFALL in the Pir Panjal mountain range snapped the transmission lines supplying power to Kashmir valley and the valley had to reel under complete darkness for more than 48 hours. A house-arrest type scenario prevailed as the women and children were forced to stay withing the four walls of their houses. People flocked to the fireplaces and kerosene heaters to fight the bone-chilling cold. Mobiles, laptops, TV sets were rendered out of service and water supply was also affected due to the absence of light and the freezing taps.

 

Internet was down and the students, banks and media had to face serious issues as the night temperatures went five degrees below freezing point. Even the power supply to hospitals was down and doctors had to face serious issues while dealing with patients. While visiting the state hospitals, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah instructed the Power development department to switch off the power supply of VVIP areas so that hospitals have the required power supply.

 

Omar’s step was well received by the public and media. Though Omar along with his ministers stays in Jammu, winter capital of the state during the winter months but still many people thanked him for the initiative. I would like our other politicians to follow Omar’s gesture and I am sure country will flourish tremendously.