LUCKNOW, June 2 -- Scores of activists affiliated with Left-backed organisations staged a protest outside the headquarters of Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (MVVNL) on Sunday, opposing the installation of smart electricity meters, rising power tariffs and what they termed efforts to privatise the power sector. The demonstration was jointly organised by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI (M), the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) and the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), with active participation from the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and the Students' Federation of India (SFI). Protesters marched to the venue carrying placards and raising slogans. The protest was led by CPI(M) district secretary Madhu Garg, AIDWA leader Sushila and AIKS district secretary Praveen Singh. The gathering later turned into a public meeting. CITU state secretary Premnath Rai alleged that smart meters are a step towards privatisation of the power sector and reflect anti-people policies. Garg said that public opposition had forced the government to announce the conversion of prepaid smart meters into postpaid ones and temporarily halt further installations.htc...