Shoppers complain of increase in prices
SRINAGAR: With Eid-ul- fitr round the corner, markets in Kashmir witnessed a heavy rush of shoppers on Wednesday.
Shoppers have complained of increase in prices of essential commodities.
However the Minster of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department, (CAPD) Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan claimed that checking squads conducted market inspections to curb inflating rates of commodities.
According to a local news agency KNS, the busy markets of Residency Road, MA Road, and others in Srinagar witnessed a huge rush of customers. In most of the markets, people were seen busy buying bakery, confectionary, dress material, kids wear and groceries.
Reports of shopping rush was also received from all district headquarters including Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipoira, Budgam, Shopian, Anantnag and Kulgam.
Imparting a colorful touch to the shopping frenzy, children accompanied by their parents were seen engrossed in choosing their favorite toys, colorful dresses and footwear.
But soaring prices also left many customers high and dry.
Many complained that price of vegetables, fruits, and other items have been ‘arbitrarily increased’ by traders in view of Eid.
“The CAPD Department is doing nothing to curb this problem. The claims of having constituted market checking squads seem to have fallen flat because the traders have increased prices of commodities arbitrarily,” said Shabir Ahmad, a customer at Lal Chowk.
Traffic Jams
Meanwhile, the shoppers’ rush gave a tough time to the men in blue while maintaining the traffic and ensuring smooth flow vehicles along the Exchange and Residency roads here.
“It took me 45 minutes to reach Jahangir Chowk from Dalgate,” said Jasim Rasool of Nishat.
Pertinently hundreds of vendors have occupied footpaths along the Amira Kadal and Residency road leaving virtually no space for the pedestrians.
