Srinagar, April 09 (KNS): Congress leader Kadfeen Choudhary on Thursday urged the government to come down heavily upon the black marketing which is reaching to its crescendo amid the ongoing lockdown due to COVID 19 outbreak in Kashmir.

In a statement issued to KNS, Kadfeen said that it is extremely concerning that the prices of essentials are skyrocketing with black marketing taking toll upon valley’s poor. He said that there are complaints coming in from scores of areas wherein people are alleging that the prices of essentials are touching dreadful heights and the concerned authorities who could have cracked whip against such illegal practices are missing from the ground.

The Congress leader maintained further that the government approved rate lists of the essential commodities have gone for a toss in Kashmir valley and the ongoing lockdown in giving the black marketers a free hand and a free run to plunder people with impunity.

Kadfeen urged the government that special market squads should be deputed who should be tasked to ensure that no black marketing of essentials takes place and a dedicated helpline is made functional that could allow people to report such illegal practices.

According to Kadfeen, people of Kashmir are already battling hard times with unprecedented spike in COVID19 cases and apprehensions of its spread at an unprecedented pace. “Amid the present scenario, the government must ensure that black marketing is stopped and people are supplied the essential commodities at reasonable prices,” said Kadfeen.(KNS)