GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan plunged into darkness on Monday following a strike call given by the Wapda Employees Union of GB in protest against the killing of one of its office-bearers in Gilgit.

An irate resident of Konadas opened fire on union’s chairman when he tried to disconnect an illegal power supply line.

Spokesman of the union Tajammul Mughal said that the lineman Muhammad Mustaqeem disconnected an illegal electricity supply line of Mr Johar, a resident of Konadas area who in rage opened fire, killing the Wapda employee on spot.

“He was killed while performing his duty. This is cold-blooded murder,” he said adding that the union has announced three days of mourning across the GB.

Furthermore, power supply to all categories of consumers was disconnected sending the entire area into darkness for many hours.

The spokesman said that the lives of Wapda employees are at risk in Gilgit city despite the fact that loadshedding was being carried out across the city as per schedule.

It was after the mediation of Secretary Water and Power Department, police and administration that the union members agreed to restore power supply at 7pm.

Police officials said that Johar was arrested soon after the incident and an FIR had also been registered against him under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Power shutdown hampered the activities in government and private offices, besides forcing shopkeepers to close down markets early.

People in GB are facing 20 hours of loadshedding daily in winter because of an increase in demand.

High demand and reduced supply due to water shortage to power houses creates shortages.

Gilgit city is being provided electricity for four to five hours a day. The city remains in dark after 8pm.

Despite tall claims of the present government about reducing loadshedding, the city faces unabated shutdowns.

Need of heaters and other appliances in cold weather is a multiplying factor. Skardu, another big city of the GB is facing severe power crisis with supply completely closed down for three days in a week.

Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2015