Kulgam, June 24: Authorities have intensified the market inspection in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district ahead of Eid-ul-Adha to prevent retailers from profiteering.
An official said the retailers often engage in the practice of charging exorbitant prices for their goods ahead of any festival, therefore the authorities have stepped up their efforts to stop this practice.
Muhammad Yousuf, a local, said the normal inflation and sale of things at outrageous prices ahead of each festival have now become a norm. “It is unfortunate and shameful that the dealers engage in such activities,” he said.
“When prices are skyrocketing, poor people are finding it difficult to buy even the essentials. The authorities need to give stern punishment to such traders,” Yousuf added.
Bilal Ahmad, Tehsildar of Kulgam told Rising Kashmir that on the direction of Deputy Commissioner Kulgam Dr Bilal Mohi-ud-din Bhat, they have intensified the drive from Friday to assist the people in getting quality products at reasonable prices ahead of the festival.
“During an extensive market check in Kulgam town on Friday, the erring shopkeepers were fined and an amount of Rs 8000 was realised,” he said, adding, “One shop was sealed while 30 kilograms of rotten fruits, vegetables and stale food items were destroyed.”
The tehsildar said the initiative was a coordinated effort by the authorities from Revenue, Municipal Council, FCS&CA, Legal Metrology, and Food Safety. The drives will further intensify in the coming days, he said.
