Our Correspondent
Kohima, March 23 (EMN): Despite assurance from the district administration that there was no shortage of essential commodities, citizens of Kohima resorted to panic buying on Monday.
Repeated pleas from the government to strictly adhere to 'social distancing' also made no impact as several market points and grocery stores were filled with shoppers on the first day of the lockdown. In addition, vehicles were seen lined up at fuel stations.
In spite of the state government's order for restriction of public movements and plying of commercial vehicles, people were busily running errands to purchase food items.
Meanwhile, Kohima Municipal Council seized a trader's trade licence when it caught him selling commodities at a higher rate, during a surprise inspection to check hoarding and price hike of essential commodities in Kohima town.
The council has cautioned all grocery stores and other shops selling essential commodities to desist from price hike. If caught, severe action will be taken to the extent of cancelling trade license, it warned.
When inquired, the shopkeepers (grocery stores) said that due to lockdown, they were able to sell huge amount of rice bags and other food items on Monday. A vegetable seller also informed that he has sold over 100 kg each of potatoes and onions.
KCCI assures essential commodities are in stock
The Kohima Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has assured that food grains and other essential commodities are in stock, and will be made available.
It appealed to the citizens not to panic; and directed traders to comply with the instructions of the state government.
All exempted shops and outlets like petrol pumps, pharmacies, grocery stores, fruits and vegetables vendors, bakeries and confectioneries have been directed to adopt hygienic practices by putting on masks and keep hand sanitisers, water and soap in their premises.
It also requested the public to maintain normal purchase of food grains and other essential commodities rather than resorting to bulk purchases and abstain from harassing/threatening its members in case of non-availability of commodities.
The KCCI asked its members not to entertain ‘over excessive procurement by buyers out of panic’.
Further, traders and shop owners were directed to strictly adhere to the MRP and not engage in hiking prices or charging exorbitant rates on commodities.
For any queries and grievances, members as well as the public have been asked to contact at +919436016529, +919402471997, +919436845163, +919612886255.