Apni Party Provincial President Kashmir Muhammad Ashraf Mir Thursday expressed anguish over the situation emerging out of price rise of essential commodities in Kashmir division due to the closure of Srinagar-Jammu highway.
A statement of Apni Party issued here said that while speaking to media persons at the party headquarters in Srinagar, Mir said, “The closure of Srinagar-Jammu highway has caused price rise of essential commodities in Kashmir division. Even vegetable prices have skyrocketed. There seems to be no price regulating authority on ground which is causing immense sufferings to the people.”
The statement quoted Mir as saying that teams of the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs must be deputed across Kashmir division to put a check on the markets rates.
He said that the traders found responsible for hoarding of ration and other essential commodities or planned inflation in markets must be dealt with sternly.
Mir said that as the Jammu-Srinagar highway was supposed to remain shut for next few weeks, the government should find a permanent solution for this lingering problem.
“Even in the 21st century, our fates are left to be decided by the extreme weather conditions. The government must look for other conceivable options like the full refurbishment and restoration of Mughal and Sinthan Top roads which can efficiently prove reliable alternatives for the people in inclement weather,” he said in the statement.
However, Mir welcomed the arrival of the first consignment of 1.46 lakh COVID19 vaccine vials in J&K.