Concerned about the price rise in the Haflong market, Dima Hasao Deputy Commissioner, Paul Barua, ACS called a meeting with the representatives of the Haflong merchants’ association and officials of the Food and Civil Supplies (F&CS) department in presence of Jayant Singh, SP Dima Hasao at the conference hall of DC office today.

Mentioning several complaints received from people and organizations about the sudden surge in the price of several products during this second wave of the pandemic, DC Barua strictly ordered the merchants to monitor such shopkeepers and retailers.

It is to be noted that complaints have been received about the undue advantage of the COVID-19 situation by some of the shopkeepers and retailers selling at rates exceeding the maximum retails price (MRP) or overcharging several times to cash on the surge in demand due to the pandemic scare.

Under such circumstances, the Deputy Commissioner has ordered every shop to prominently display the price list as per the official directives, failing which, the administration will be compelled to take strict action against the owner. Requesting the Haflong Municipal Board also to work in coordination with F& CS and Market Association in this matter, DC said that such whimsical price hike will further aggravate the people who are already reeling under the covid situation.

Further, taking note of the swarming of people at market areas to purchase the organic village produce sold on market days at Haflong market, DC ordered that the villagers should be allowed to sell the products at the length and stretch of the market roadside allowing space for better social distancing for the buyers. For this, the Haflong Municipal Board will look into the matter that it complies with.

Instructing the officials of the line department to be vigilant about the unreasonable price hike in the district, DC has ordered strict compliance in the interest of public service.

The meeting was attended by ADC Lalrohlu Khiengte, Asst Commissioner and DTO i/c Ibon Teron, Dist.Project Officer, DDMA Riki Phukan, and officials from DDMA, F& CS, and DC office.