[Reader-list] Shortages in J&K

[S. Jabbar]

>From Kashmir Times:

Shortage of essentials
Continued disruption begins showing its impact
Disruption in the maintenance of essential supplies not only to Kashmir
valley and frontier region of Ladakh but also the hilly and remote areas of
Jammu province have started showing its impact on the local population. The
people in these areas have started feeling the pinch due to shortage of
essential items including grains and perishable commodities in majority of
the districts in Jammu region. Despite the claims of the government and its
agencies that regular supplies are being maintained and sufficient stocks
are available in these belts, the people have started voicing their concern
over the shortages and black-marketing by the unscrupulous traders. This is
particularly true in Rajouri, Poonch and Reasi districts in the north on one
hand and Udhampur, Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar districts in the east of Jammu
region. Same is the case in some parts of Kathua, Jammu and Samba districts
where there has been no movement of essential items during the past more
than two months. The claims of the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution
(CAPD) department have been proved false as no ration shops are operating
due to the continued strike in whole Jammu region. It is also worth noting
that rations shops are empty due to the fact that transporters have also
joined the strike. Then how the government agency is transporting the
essential ration items to its depots? The Public Distribution System (PDS)
network, which has been notorious for pilferages and aiding black marketing,
has not been able to distribute rations to the common masses in normal
circumstances, how can it become efficient during strikes and continued
disturbed conditions. The question arises how the government agency can rise
above all considerations and start working very efficiently and come up to
the expectations of the people. Otherwise also, most of the areas in Jammu
region have witnessed crop failures to the extent of 80 percent in kandi
belt of Jammu region during the past three consecutive years and the former
chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad was forced to announce some relief measures
for these farmers. The relief is yet to come to the rescue of these farmers
and the endless wait is continuing. Similarly the decision to provide free
rations for six months announced for them by the government is also yet to
be implemented on the ground. If the same situation continues, the people
will be forced to take to the streets demanding rations to overcome the
difficulties that are staring them in the face due to disruption in the
supplies caused by continued strike.