Prices of all essential commodities up in Kashmir during Ramzan

Srinagar, Sept 18 (UNI) The prices of all essential commodities, including meat, chicken, milk and vegetables has increased in the Kashmir valley since the commencement of holy Ramzan despite appeal by muslim ulemas and leaders of different organisations to traders to sell their products on government approved rates during the fasting month.

There was absolutely no check on the prices of essential commodities by the department of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD), agitated people alleged in the city.

They said the prices of all commodities was very high against the government approved rates.

A UNI correspondent who visited a number of markets today in the civil lines, down town and uptown saw broiler chicken being sold at Rs 74 per kg against the Rs 69 approved rate of CAPD.

Similarly, a dozen egg was available at Rs 28 to Rs 30 against the approved rate of Rs 25, issued by the CAPD on August 22.

Abdul Aziz, a resident of Sonawar said he purchased chicken at Rs 74 per kg as the shopkeeper was not ready to accept the government rate.

He said meat was being sold at Rs 160 per kg against the government rate of Rs 125.

Government, including the CAPD minister Taj Mohiuddin was aware of fact that mutton was being sold at higher rates, he said and added that they are not taking any action against butchers and kothdars for obvious reasons.

Where are the special squads formed by the government to maintain price control during the holy month, he asked.

More than 5000 sheeps and goats besides 30,000 chickens are being consumed by the people of Kashmir valley daily. However, during the month of Ramzan the number increases.

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