Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 27: National Democratic Party Indian (NDPI) J&K Unit President Rajesh Gupta today said that after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India would go under a 21 day ‘lockdown’, panic took over the streets in most parts of J&K with people rushing to grocery stores and medical stores to stock up, with uncertainty clouding the weeks to come.
“However, the Ministry of Home Affairs later released an order which listed essential services such as grocery stores, vegetable vendors, medical stores, etc which were exempt from the lockdown,” Gupta said.
He said prices of essential commodities have also started to increase, adding that in Jammu’s wholesale Narwal Fruit and Vegetable Market and in Parade Sabji Mandi prices of fruits and vegetables have jumped two and three times more. He said retailers and shop keepers are unsure as to when they are expected to get the next supply of fruits, vegetables and other food commodities.
NDPI Chief asked the Government to reach out to vendors, daily rated workers and destitute sections of the society, with a financial package on a war footing to ensure they do not suffer.
“Unfortunately, the Government seems to be a mute spectator to their miseries and sufferings,” said Gupta, adding spools of concertina wires and barricades-a familiar sight is back on the roads in the city and elsewhere, and contingents of police and paramilitary CRPF have taken over the Jammu to enforce a complete lockdown.
“ Long rows of cars were witnessed outside grocery shops with people waiting in queues to buy whatever they could. Every item has been sold out, not a single packet of milk or cooking oil is left now,” Gupta said.
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