Soaring prices hurt Eid celebrations

Contrary to the claim of shopkeepers regarding a massive slowdown in sales, consumers across the Valley are feeling the pinch of soaring prices. The prices of fruits and vegetables are sold at exorbitant prices as the government-notified rate list is not being followed by shopkeepers. The profiteering by some traders is also hitting the poor badly. Shopkeepers and vendors have failed to implement the rate list provided by the Government. A few days back the price of tomatoes was just 10-20 rs per kg which was affordable. On the eve of Eid, the same vegetable is being sold at 80-100 rs per kg. We fail to understand why suddenly the price has gone up. Shopkeepers who are supposed to give discounts are squeezing people like lemons. Consumers from both urban and rural areas are confused as how to buy Eid items at genuine prices. Markets are getting more expensive with every new day. There is no relaxation for the people. The rich manage to buy expensive things, but the poor suffer. Shopkeepers are minting money from innocent people. They are pinching the pockets of poor ones. Isn’t it our moral responsibility to provide relief to people on festivals? As Eid is approaching how can we forget children who have expectations? The administration and the concerned department must wake up and raids must be conducted in the markets. Furthermore, action must be taken against business classes who take advantage of consumers. This will help to strengthen the bond between the Government and the people.