People in Kashmir face acute shortage of essentials

Srinagar, Mar 14 (UNI) Facing acute shortage of essentials due to closure of Srinagar-Jammu national highway, people in Kashmir have once again resorted to vegetables and dried fish.

A majority of shops, selling meat, vegetables, eggs, chicken and other eatables in the valley, including Srinagar city, are closed.

With no alternative left, a large number of people were seen purchasing dried vegetables and fish from the market in the city.

People in the Kashmir valley, are generally used to dry vegetables and fish during the summer or winter as the highway remains closed for months.

But with the passage of time, things here changed and fresh vegetable being imported from Jammu and other northern states are available in the market throughout the year, including winter months. People in the valley had almost stopped consuming dried Vegetables after doctors said it causes cancer and other diseases.

The prices of dried tomato, fish, Brinjal, Gourd and turnip has also increased due to non-availability of fresh vegetables.

Prices of all essential commodities went up manifold while some of the items such as meat, chicken and eggs went out of stock a day after the highway, the only road linking the valley with the rest of the country, was closed on March 11.

No effort was made by the authorities to enforce the government approved rates, local residents alleged.

They said whenever the highway gets closed, traders either put the board of out of stock or sell their items on higher prices.

The butchers have closed down their shops. However, in some areas meat was being sold to some selected customers at Rs 180 to Rs 190 per kg against the government-approved rate of Rs 130. The price of meat was Rs 150 per kg before the closure of the highway.

A UNI correspondent who visited a number of markets in the city saw all shops closed. A dozen of eggs cost Rs 30 to Rs 36 while the government approved rate is Rs 24. Similarly, one kg of chiken is being sold at Rs 80 to Rs 90 per kg while the approved rate is just Rs 55.

The prices of local vegetables have also increased. The pricers of local fish has also gone up several times.

UNI