Bodies warn traders against hiking prices
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 06 2024:
Pointing out that the recent hailstorm wreaked havoc damaging houses and destroying vegetable and fruit farms, several civil society organisations have cautioned shop keepers against arbitrary hiking prices of roofing sheets and other essential items taking undue advantage of the natural calamity.
In separate releases, Protection & Preservation Committee, Manipur (PPCM) and Peopled Action for National Democratic Movement (PANDM) lamented that the hailstorm on Sunday caused widespread destruction, compounding miseries of the people who have already been reeling under the impact of the ethnic conflict that broke out on May 3 last year.
While commending decision of government to extend support to the affected people, they, the civil organisations, however, decried traders for hiking the prices of essential items and their inhumane characteristics of exploiting the affected people who are already in misery.
As such, shops found hiking price of essential items will be banned for a year or permanently, they cautioned.
Further informing that the civil bodies conducted inspection of shops in Khwairamband Kei-thel to ascertain whether there is hoarding of goods or hiking of price of essential items, PANDM disclosed that some shops found selling items at exorbitant rates were advised not to continue such unethical trade practice.
Meanwhile, PPCM has Urged the people to contact mobile numbers 8119058601, 9774836063, 7085150972, 9366813406, 6909214805 or 8787356732 if any shop is found selling goods by hik ing the price and further appealed the people to insist on cash receipt for goods purchased to avoid mis understanding.
Meanwhile, Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN) appealed to vendors not to hike prices of construction materials.
In a statement, HERICOUN publicity and grievance cell secretary Akham Rishikumar extended solidarity to suffering of those whose houses and farms were damaged, and also who lost their life or left injured.
The extensive damages due to the natural disaster amidst the conflict have burdened the people immensely.
As such, he appealed tp vendors not to hike price of construction materials and also urged vendors who are already selling at increased rate to stop the same immediately.
Further appealing to the government to look into the matter including finalising a fixed rate for the construction materials, Rishikumar urged authorities concerned to distribute the relief materials as soon as possible.
He also urged the authorities to extend assistance to farmers whose crops and livestock including poultry have been impacted by the hailstorm, in addition to initiating necessary constructions at the earliest.
While appealing to government officials to take up requisite steps to help those affected by Sunday's hailstorm, Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) has cautioned vendors against hiking prices of items, adding that the shop owners will be responsible for any consequences resulting from doing so.
On Monday, a team of MSF volunteers led by its general secretary Sundar Khuman inspected the shops around Imphal to monitor whether items are being sold at higher prices.
In this regard, Sundar appreciated the government's announcement to assist the families affected by Sunday's hailstorm.
However, instead of putting pressure on the affected families, the government officials should visit the families to carryout formalities including submission of necessary documents to the SDC/SDO/DC concerned, he suggested.
He then urged vendors not to give excuses like exhaustion of stock of tin sheets or the sheets are on the way.
If any vendor is found selling the roofing materials af a higher price, then they would be solely responsible for any action taken up against them by MSF and the government jointly.
Regarding Monday's inspection, Sundar informed that the team visited the shops in ThangalKeithel, Chingmeirong Khongnang Ani Karak and Man-tripukhri area, and found the prices of tin sheets increased by Rs 200 more than the original price.
As such, he urged the public to contact MSF via the phone numbers - 9863853826, 9366657948 and 7005414138, if they come across any shop hiking the prices.