Those who overcharge customers for essential commodities would be taken to task-AIP

Srinagar, 17th February: (PTK)Awami Itehad Party today in a statement took strong notice of unabashed overcharging and loot  by vendors and shops in the name of price rise. As per the Official price list of Food Supplies and Consumer Affairs department, price set for a kilogram of mutton is Rs440 but nowhere around Srinagar and other districts does one come across any shop adhering to the official price set by the Department. Similarly prices of Chicken as opposed to rate set by the department are said to be fluctuating between Rs110 Rs160 simply as per the whims and fancies of the dealers. Same is the case of vegetables that are consumed in every household.

We are cognizant of the fact that food price inflation is at all time high but it is the responsibility of those associated with the trade to ensure they adhere to norms and prices set by the Government of the day.  It seems some people are taking undue advantage of the breakdown of state machinery post August 5th last year.

We have always stood by our business community but such kind of loot of people’s hard earned money is simply unacceptable. One has to understand the seriousness of the issue, if things go the same way that day isnt very far when common people wont be able to afford common day to day eatables.

Awami Itehad Party urges the present day Government and concerned department in particular to ensure regular checks are conducted across Valley to ensure people are not cheated and overcharged for daily essentials.

We would also want to forewarn those erring vendors and shopkeepers to at once stop such activities or else in view of larger public interest, it would be ensured that stringent action is initiated against them.