Srinagar, Sept 07: The prolonged closure of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway has unleashed a wave of price hikes across Kashmir, leaving families struggling to afford basic essentials. From poultry to vegetables, markets in Srinagar, Ganderbal and adjoining districts are witnessing a sharp rise in rates, triggering anger among consumers who accuse traders of exploiting the crisis.
In several markets, the price of live chicken has surged to Rs 200 per kilogram, while staples such as potatoes, onions, tomatoes and brinjal are selling at nearly double their usual rates. “I went to buy chicken for my children, but the shopkeeper demanded Rs 200 a kilo. He blamed the wholesaler, who in turn blames the farmers. In the end, it is only the consumer who pays the price,” said Mohammad Yousuf, a resident of Kangan.
Locals say the burden is hardest on poor families. “Vegetables are slipping out of our reach. For a daily wage earner like me, it is impossible to manage when even onions and potatoes become luxuries,” said Abdul Rashid from Ganiwan. In Gund, housewife Shakeela Bano echoed the frustration. “We have small children at home. How long can we feed them rice alone? We need vegetables, milk and chicken, but the prices are unbearable. Authorities must step in before the situation worsens.”
The story is the same in Srinagar’s markets, where residents are equally agitated. At Lal Chowk, businessman Irfan Ahmad said, “The moment the highway closes, rates touch the sky. Tomatoes which were Rs 40 last week are now Rs 80. It feels like there is no system to regulate prices.”
In Bemina, a government employee, Farooq Lone, expressed similar concern. “It is shameful that every crisis is turned into an opportunity to exploit people. Where is the market checking squad? Why should we suffer every time the highway is blocked?” Shazia, a resident of Downtown Srinagar, said her household budget has collapsed. “Earlier, I would buy vegetables for the week. Now I can only afford a kilo or two at a time. Even milk prices have gone up. The poor are the worst hit, and no one seems to care.” Community elders in Ganderbal urged the administration to act firmly. “The government must carry out strict inspections and penalise those looting people. Otherwise, ordinary families will continue to suffer while profiteers thrive,” said Ghulam Hassan, a retired teacher.
As the Valley waits for the vital highway link to reopen, the chorus from consumers grows louder– check the market, rein in the profiteers, and ensure that essentials remain within reach of the common man.
