Kulgam, March 24: Authorities fined erring shopkeepers during market checking in the Damhal Hanjipora (DH Pora) area of Kulgam district on Friday.
Shopkeepers were fined for violating the Essential Commodities Act of 1955, and locals were urged to be aware of their rights as customers.
According to an official, on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Noorabad Bashir-ul Hassan (JKAS) conducted market checking alongside SDPO DH Pora Dr. Showkat Ahmed (JKPS); BMO DH Pora, and other officials from various departments in the main town Damhal.
“We will take strict action against black marketing and illegal profiteering. We conducted market checks and penalised erring traders and shopkeepers for violating norms,” said SDH Noorabad.
During the inspection, violators were fined and during the inspection drive Rs 2600 were collected and one shop was sealed on the spot for gross violation, he said.
He stated that we will conduct regular inspections to prevent overpricing and black marketing by shoppers during the holy month of Ramadan.
Furthermore, many other shopkeepers were warned to be cautious in the future and to follow the law, he added.