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Militants back Kashmir power protest

LeT spokesman Abu Usama told AFP over the telephone that the group had issued a five-day ultimatum to the Kashmir authorities to ensure adequate electricity supply to residents and traders.

"If this is not met, we have plans to disrupt power supplies to government and army installations across India," Usama said.

"Civilians willl not be affected," he added.

Electricity supply in the Kashmir valley is down to around five hours out of every 24.

Much of the valley was paralysed Thursday by a strike called by traders to protest against the power outages.

On Tuesday, a dozen people were injured when police used teargas to break up a similar street demonstration.

The Lashkar intervention marks a change in tactics, as militant groups have never involved themselves in social issues.

Power breakdowns are common as demand far outstrips supply. Kashmir's troubles have been compounded by a lack of steady rainfall in the state, which has hit hydro-electricity production.

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