CCpur reels as prices spiral out of control

From M Kaimuanthang
Lamka,  May 10 : The ongoing indefinite economic blockades along the two lifelines of the state is causing untold hardship to common man who live hand to mouth owing to uncontrolled increases in prices of daily essential commodities .

Each day of the days of the blockade is proving to be an extension of a nightmare for the common wage and livelihood earners.
The most immediate affect comes with respect to supply of petrol, diesel and other types of fuels used in transportation and its related economic movements to various destination in and out of the town.

The supply of fuel being scarce, number of vehicular movement has comes down drastically since the past three or four days with reports from confirmed sources saying that atleast 20 to 30 percent of inbound and outbound buses and other classes of vehicles have been stranded on the way.

The usual number of two and four wheeler vehicle plying on daily basis have dropped making the streets and markets come near to a standstill.

In the initial days of the blockade, cost of petrol was a little costlier from the normal rates. But as the blockade entered weeks their prices suddenly skyrocketed and now at the present rate a litre of petrol cost a as much as Rs 120.
Supplies of this particular items which come from the usual sources of Assam has come to a stop and rather comes through the neighbouring states of Mizoram in small amounts according to a retailers.

This is not all. Prices of daily required foodstuffs like rice, edible oil , soaps to name a few have also equally soared. A 40 kgs of superfine rice are sold at the rate of Rs 800 to 1000 while all other classes of rice cost Rs 1300 from its normal rate of Rs 800/900 depending on the quality which in any case soared up to as high.

To cite a very simple example a pack of Talab which usually is sold at Rs 1 now cost Rs 2.

Sources further pointed out that prices of all commodities are hiked upto atleast 100 to 200 percents.
 
At least they are still available even if the price is high. But people are fearful they may simply disappear from the markets if the blockade carries on any longer.

Hospitals are also running short of not only life saving drugs but also ordinary daily essentials such as bandages and anti septic solutions.

Schools and colleges may also shut because of lack of transport.(IFP)