Panic Buying of Essentials, Petrol in Kashmir Amid Heightened Border Tension

Srinagar, May 7: Panic buying of essential commodities erupted across the Kashmir Valley today as residents rushed to stock up on food, fuel, and cooking gas following India's "Operation Sindoor" against terror infrastructure in Pakistan.

The military operation, which targeted nine terror installations during the intervening night of May 6-7, has heightened tensions along the border, triggering anxiety among local residents who fear potential escalation.

Outside Srinagar's prominent department stores, scenes of chaos unfolded as hundreds of shoppers jostled to secure essential supplies.

"I've never seen such panic, not even during the pandemic," said Nazir Ahmad, a government employee, clutching several bags of groceries at a departmental store in Nowshera. "My wife called me frantically this morning, saying we needed to stock up immediately. I left work early and found the markets in complete disarray. People are buying as if preparing for a siege – ten kilos of rice, multiple cooking gas cylinders, whatever they can carry."

The situation at petrol pumps across the city was even more dramatic. At an HPCL station in Bemina, the queue of vehicles stretched nearly half a kilometre, causing traffic congestion on the adjacent highway. Station managers reported selling three times their daily average.

"I've been waiting for nearly three hours," said Samina Bhat, a visibly frustrated school teacher from Bemina. "People ahead of me are not just filling their tanks but also multiple jerrycans. The attendants are trying to limit quantities, but everyone is insistent. My children are waiting at home, and I'm stuck here wondering if there will be any fuel left when I reach the front."

At another petrol pump in Batamaloo, minor scuffles broke out as motorists attempted to jump the queue.

"I drove to four different petrol pumps before finding one that still had fuel," said Mohammad Shafi, a local businessman. "People are behaving as if war has already been declared. I've lived through the '90s conflict and recognise these signs of collective anxiety. Even if nothing happens, this panic itself creates a crisis."

The panic wasn't limited to essential commodities. Banks and ATMS across the Valley witnessed unprecedented crowds as residents rushed to withdraw cash. Outside J&K Bank's main branch in Residency Road, the queue extended to the adjacent street as people waited anxiously to access their accounts.

"I withdrew my entire month's salary today," revealed Farooq Ahmed, a schoolteacher standing outside an ATM in Karan Nagar. During uncertain times, cash is king. We've learned from past experiences that electronic banking systems can become unreliable if the situation deteriorates. I'd rather have cash in hand than money trapped in a bank account I cannot access."

Shabir Hussain, a retired government official, reflected the sentiment of many as he waited outside Punjab National Bank in Lal Chowk: "This is a precautionary measure. History has taught us to be prepared. During previous periods of unrest, those with cash reserves fared better. I'm withdrawing enough to sustain my family for at least a month."

Amid the rush, authorities have moved to reassure the public that there is no need for panic. Director of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Abdul Rashid War told Greater Kashmir, "There is enough stock of essentials available in Kashmir. People should not go for panic buying. The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway is open for traffic, supplies are coming, and besides, we have enough stock available."

War appealed to residents to maintain calm and assured that the department is monitoring the situation closely. "We understand people's concerns, but there is absolutely no shortage of essential commodities. We have sufficient reserves to meet the Valley's requirements," he said.