Profiteering Surges in Ganderbal Amid Highway Closure

SRINAGAR: The continuous closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway has triggered profiteering in parts of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, with locals complaining of steep hikes in chicken prices and absence of market-checking squads.

Residents of Gund and adjoining areas said wholesale poultry dealers have sharply increased rates, taking advantage of the disrupted supplies. They alleged that despite the administration constituting checking squads to control prices, no such teams are visible in Gund tehsil.

Consumers said the skyrocketing rates have made it difficult for ordinary families to afford chicken. “Due to the highway closure, profiteering is at its peak and the administration is nowhere on the ground,” one resident remarked.

A poultry seller, Farooq Ahmad, said that he is being supplied chicken at Rs 175 per kilogram by wholesale dealers, leaving little scope for retailers to manage prices. This, he said, often results in arguments between shopkeepers and consumers over rates.

Locals appealed to the administration to immediately activate checking squads in Gund and Kangan areas to put an end to black marketing and provide relief to the people. [KNT]