With Eid-ul-Fitr approaching, the residents of Baramulla town and its adjacent areas are facing severe hardships due to the unchecked rise in the prices of essential commodities and the influx of substandard food items, including fruits and vegetables. Despite official rate lists being displayed, there is no proper enforcement, leaving consumers at the mercy of unscrupulous elements in trade.
Expressing deep concern over this issue, *PDP Seniot leader and District President Baramulla Mohammad Rafique Rather* has urged the district administration and concerned departments to take immediate action against profiteering and the sale of adulterated food items. He emphasized that as the festive season nears, ensuring the availability of quality products at reasonable prices is crucial for the common people.
*“Authorities must conduct regular market inspections, impose strict penalties on violators, and ensure that traders adhere to the fixed price lists. The sale of substandard and artificially ripened fruits is not just unethical but also poses serious health risks to consumers,”* said Rather.
He further called upon the *Food Safety Department and Consumer Affairs officials* to intensify their monitoring mechanisms and take stringent measures against those flouting the norms. Rafique Rather also urged local traders in particular to Traders Fedrarion Baramulla to assist administration in maintaining ethical business practices, ensuring that people do not suffer during this auspicious time.
The PDP leader assured the people that he would personally follow up with the administration to ensure swift action and relief for consumers in Baramulla. He appealed to the authorities to intervene at the earliest to curb price manipulation and protect the interests of the public in general.
