Trade bodies rally for affordable prices of essential commodities in Kashmir

Sringar, May 10: As hostilities between India and Pakistan have escalated in the last few days, panic has gripped the region, bringing commercial activities to a grinding halt. In response to this crisis, prominent trade bodies in Kashmir have issued urgent appeals to local traders to sell essential commodities, particularly food items, at affordable prices to alleviate the burden on Valley residents.

The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union, Srinagar, an elected umbrella organisation representing all Fruit and Vegetable Growers Associations in the Valley, has called on wholesale and retail dealers to prioritise humanitarian concerns over profit margins during this difficult period.

"We have appealed to fruit and vegetable dealers that fruits and vegetables may kindly be made available to the general public of the Valley at reasonable and affordable prices on humanitarian grounds, given the current situation, considering our responsibility and duties," said Bashir Ahmad Basheer, President of the Fruit Growers Union.

Basheer emphasised that fruits and vegetables are essential items for daily consumption and called for moderation in pricing. "It is, therefore, a polite appeal to all fruit and vegetable wholesale and retail dealers to moderate the prices of these essential commodities and make all possible efforts to sell them at discounted prices and restore the supply position so that common people of the Valley do not lack these essential items in these critical days and hoarders do not get any opportunity to take undue advantage of the current situation," he stated.

The union president called for solidarity during this challenging time. "Let us all come together as a nation and do our duty and try our best to make fruits and vegetables available to common people at reasonable and discounted prices during the current situation," Basheer urged. He further appealed to dealers of other essential commodities to "stand up equally and come together with responsibility" to offer discounted prices on humanitarian grounds.

Mohammad Yaseen Khan, President of the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), strongly condemned all forms of black marketing, hoarding, and artificial price inflation that might occur during the crisis.

"At a time when uncertainty looms and our people are already under immense psychological, social, and economic stress, exploiting the crisis for financial gain is not only un-Islamic and unethical but also a betrayal of our collective conscience," Khan declared.

Khan highlighted Kashmir's historical resilience and the crucial role of traders during times of turmoil. "Kashmir has always stood resilient in the face of adversity, and our traders have historically been the backbone of the economy, especially during turmoil. It is now, more than ever, that we must prove our integrity and solidarity with the common people," he said.

The KTMF president issued a stern warning that "anyone found engaging in exploitative practices will face social boycott and strict action through coordination with local administration and our local market associations."

Khan urged all traders to ensure the smooth and fair distribution of essential commodities, maintain reasonable pricing, and extend support to those in need. "Let us rise above personal interest and protect the sanctity of our markets and the dignity of our society. KTMF will continue to monitor the market situation closely and coordinate with all stakeholders to ensure that no one takes undue advantage of this volatile environment," Khan emphasised.