In the run-up to Eid-ul-Adha, markets across the Valley on Sunday wore a festive look as people in large numbers were seen making purchases. The huge rush also caused traffic jams at several places especially in the afternoon and evening hours.
The weekly Sunday market from TRC Junction to Hari Singh High Street attracted people in large number to purchase clothes, accessories, kidswear, home decoration and utensils displayed by vendors.
Braving the heat, hawkers also made brisk sales of electronic accessories and goods.
“Parents making purchases for children’s clothes and toys while shops selling women’s clothes and accessories are the reason for the overwhelming rush,” said a trader.
Farhan Kitab, chief spokesperson, Kashmir Economic Alliance said the city centre markets remained open on Sunday in view of the rush of shoppers making purchases for Eid.
“Although sales have started picking up and people are making Eid purchases but uncertainty with regard to Article 35-A is a dampener . Women shoppers are more in numbers and children’s products as usual are in demand,” Kitab said. “Most people are making limited purchases and not spending lavishly,” Kitab added.
While buying and selling of sacrificial animals ahead of forthcoming Eid has picked-up, several Eid shoppers complained of overpricing, especially that of sacrificial animals. Even as officials of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCSCA) claimed to have “cracked a whip on violators” At Eidgah grounds in the downtown, consumers said despite presence of officials, rates of sacrificial animals were overpriced. “I went from pillar to post to look for an affordable sheep across several downtown markets. The prices are way too much for a common man. At Bohri Kadal and surrounding markets which are known for selling sacrificial sheep was charged no less than Rs 250 per kg which is almost Rs 40 more than the notified government ratel-list,” said Faraz Ahmad, a Dalgate resident. Another resident at Nowpora said cattle dealers were selling Dilliwala variety of sheep was being sold at Rs 300 per kg which is almost Rs 90 more than the notified government rate list.
According to Muhammad Yaseen Khan, president, Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation, factors such as implementation of Goods and Services Tax ( GST) last year has lead to less import of goods to the Valley has resulted in making goods costlier . “The festive spirit is visible in the markets but adverse effect of demonetisation and GST continues to affect sales. In addition uncertainty due to the Article 35-A case has added to the woes of traders”, said Khan.
When contacted, Director, FCSCA, Nisar Ahmad Wani said shopkeepers and dealers who were “selling at higher prices” have been penalized by the inspection teams of FCSCA and other departments are making regular market checking, he added. “Our teams across the Valley made surprise checks on Sunday to deal strictly with the violators. We have fined the erring traders and recovered huge amount of fines from them. We urge consumers to keep us informed incase they come across any violations,” said Wani.