Srinagar:It is unfortunate that Ramadan, a Holy monthwhich is loved and cherished, is exploited for monetary gain by shopkeepers inKashmir valley. The one thing that has been ignored by the higher-ups again andagain is the fact that the essential items are being sold in markets at willfulprices right under the nose of authorities. Earlier, in previous years, whenthe Kashmir Valley witnessed a complete shutdown due to the uncertainty, we sawthe phenomenon of hoarding, day to day eateries like milk, rice, oil,vegetables and other basic food items were sold for three times its actualprice. The possession of roosters in that time of distress was considered gold.Such things happen only here in Kashmir, because we have buyers available forany price. These shopkeepers now a days know that people tend to shop moreduring Ramadan, so they increase prices. Stocking up on low-priced goods beforeRamadan and selling them at high price during the Holy month is commonpractice. This unethical phenomenon creates many difficulties for commonKashmiris. In the current scenario various eateries are being openly sold forhigher costs, where the official rate is way less than that. Interestingly, invarious places these shops are just adjacent to higher ups, but unfortunatelynobody acts and nobody complains and the business goes on. Even though thegovernment may argue that meat and chicken is not under common essential items.However, for the habitual regularity with which Kashmirs have been consumingmeat and chicken, it is all imperative that mutton intake is entailed in theeating pattern of a common Kashmiri. Tomato, patato and onion, which are thebasic commodities required in every household are being sold on increased priceupto Rs15 per kg. People are left with no other option but to buy it on thehigher price. In the Hari Singh High Street market, where most of thevegetables come from Parimpora Sabzi Mandi, which then make their way to HSHS,the vendors gave contradictory answers about the price hike. Though there is alegal metrology department in place which overlooks the pricing system of itemssold in valley markets. However, somehow for certain items even they like towatch the happenings from the safety of the shore. They are minding some otherbusiness which the public has not been made aware of instead of doing what theyare mandated to do. Having said that the purchasing power of a certain sectionof Kashmiri middle class who work as government employees has increased overthe time, but there is a vast sea of people who cannot afford the basic fooditems it is the responsibility of the government to look into the matter and ensurethat stocks are avail all the times. Besides, as responsible people we mustimmediately report to relevant authorities as and when we feel any norms arebeing violated.