In October 1997, residents of Tsnisi, mostly women, blocked the Akhaltsikhe–Tbilisi central highway in protest, halting traffic and causing a massive jam. Their demonstration was sparked by severe violations of the electricity supply schedule. According to locals, electricity had been provided only for a few minutes each day, despite the fact that payments were deducted directly from salaries and pensions.

The Tsnisi residents’ picket lasted for several hours. Police attempted to clear the road, leading to clashes with the protesting women. Local officials, including the head of the Akhaltsikhe district administration, the regional police chief, and representatives of the electricity company, arrived at the scene and promised to restore power according to the official schedule.

According to the newspaper 7 Dge (“7 Days”), electricity was indeed supplied for the next two days, but by Monday the old problems returned, leaving residents once again without regular power.