Srinagar, Oct. 15 -- Kashmir's early winter has brought more than a chill in the air. Frequent power outages have added to the hardship of residents already preparing for falling temperatures. As nights grow colder, unreliable electricity exposes the gap between official assurances and the everyday experience of consumers. Electricity is no luxury in a region where winter can be harsh and prolonged. It is essential for heating, cooking, studying, healthcare and the smooth functioning of businesses. For students preparing for examinations, prolonged outages disrupt studies. For elderly people, patients and families with young children, the consequences can be even more difficult. The situation raises an uncomfortable question: if power dem...