KTA calls for price control of essential commodities

Srinagar, Dec 27: The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) has urged the government to regulate essential commodity prices in Kashmir, highlighting the severe impact on the local populace due to the region’s geographical isolation and the recent decontrol of price fixation.

In a statement, Aijaz Shahdhar, President of KTA, reacted strongly to reports of doubling Kashmiri bread prices, stating, “This increase is going to hit the common masses hard. The business sentiment is already low, which can be gauged from the fact that each day, possession notices are issued in newspapers to businessmen whose properties are being seized because they cannot repay their loans.”

Shahdhar elaborated on the historical context and current challenges, explaining, “Before 2019, the Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department regulated the prices of essential items like bread, mutton, vegetables, and milk. However, now, with decontrolled price fixation, traders can set their own prices, which is particularly detrimental in Kashmir’s context as it is a landlocked region entirely dependent on supplies from outside.”

He emphasised the urgency for government intervention, “We expect the new government to mitigate the sufferings of the people. There is a pressing need to revert to the previous pattern of price regulation to provide succour to the residents of Kashmir.”

The KTA demands immediate action to re-establish government oversight on the pricing of essential commodities, address the economic hardships faced by local traders and consumers alike, and consider the unique geographical and economic conditions of Kashmir when formulating policy. Shahdar concluded, “The government must acknowledge the ground realities and act swiftly to safeguard the interests of the common people who are bearing the brunt of these economic challenges.”