Srinagar, Feb 27 (KNS): District Congress Committee (DCC) Srinagar President Irfan Naqib today expressed serious concern over the shortage of essentials, especially petrol and LPG cylinders, in Kashmir and urged the Government to regulate the prices of essentials which have skyrocketed after the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu highway.
In a statement issued to KNS, Irfan Naqib said the closure of the highway has resulted in a major scarcity of essential commodities across Kashmir, and also resulted in selling of perishables items at highly exorbitant prices.
“Petrol stations are running short of fuel and are long lines of cars, passenger vehicles and two-wheelers outside some of them that had bare minimum stocks. Across the valley, there have been widespread complaints about shortage of LPG cylinders, fresh vegetables and other essential commodities. But it seems that Governor’s administration is least bothered about the problems faced by the common people,” he said.
The Congress leader said that administration must know that Srinagar-Jammu highway is not a reliable communication link between Kashmir and rest of the country during winter months and should have made preparations accordingly. “There are no stocks of LPG cylinders in the Valley. The current shortage of petroleum and other essential products is another worry. The phenomenon of scarcity recurs every time the highway gets blocked and unless the state administration revisits the policy of stocking for the winter months, these situations will happen again and again,” Irfan Naqib said.
“Hoarders and black marketers are taking advantage of highway closure and have increased the rates on their own. The administration, it seems, is nowhere and common people are being looted with both the hands. It is high time the administration wakes up from deep slumber and takes action against hoarders and black marketers,” he demanded. (KNS)