The Ministry of Plenty...

Curfew, blockade bring Kashmir near starvation
Greater Kashmir August 31
FAHEEM ASLAM
Srinagar, Aug 30: Shortage of essentials due to blockade and curfew is taking toll on consumers in the city and rural markets, with hundreds of them roaming from pillar to post in search of the necessary food items. Reports and eyewitnesses said the markets are running short of essentials including edible oil, flour, medicines, vegetables and milk. “Where are those trucks which the government says have arrived in the Valley with essential items?” questioned Muhammad Shafi Wani, a retired government employee. “The government is lying that there is no blockade to the Valley. Even onions and potatoes are not available in the city markets.” In the past six days, when people thronged the markets during the deal in curfew, they were surprised to observe the shortage of essentials. “The government claims on blockade seem to be a pure publicity stunt,” said Rashid Ahmad, a resident of Habba Kadal. “I have been roaming from market to market to get a bag of flour, but all shops are short of wheat and edible oil.” On Saturday, people complained shortage of milk in the market, which is being supplied by various milk federations locally. In many markets, people were seen pouncing over the three wheelers selling milk. “The federations have failed to provide enough milk to the customers,” they said. Pertinently, people allege the government’s ration depots are empty for the past many days. “Our local depot is empty for the past 15 days. We are suffering for what of rice, wheat and sugar,” said a group of resident from Hazratbal. “Everyday we are being told that trucks are arriving here with the essentials, but everyday we return home empty.” The situation is reportedly similar in the depots in hundreds of villages in north and south Kashmir. Meanwhile, people accused the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution department of failing to check black marketing and hoarding. “Whatever little essentials are available in some markets are sold at higher prices. We can’t understand what the government is doing,” asked Zameer Ahmad, a customer. “The government is allowing black marketing and hoarding openly which is unwarranted.” The shortage of essentials has been triggered by the economic blockade enforced by “fanatics” in Jammu.http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=31_8_2008&ItemID=21&cat=1