Relief for J&K as power dept staff call off strike after govt puts off merger

A major relief for the Jammu and Kashmir residents who had to endure major power outrages in the last few days amid sub-zero temperatures.

Protesting employees of the Power Development Department in J&K have called off their strike. The decision came after written assurance from the administration to put on hold the proposed merger of the state power department with Power Grid Corporation of India.

The government has agreed to put on hold the merger and set up committee to take a relook, officials said.

J&K administration said 80 per cent of power supply restoration has been done.

The protesting employees have also received assurances on other issues, including salaries, from the administration.

The strike had entered its third consecutive day on Monday. The UT has been facing a widespread power shutdown since Sunday owing to a deadlock between PDD employees and the administration.

The J&K administration had to call in Army to restore power in the union territory amid the strike.