In the backdrop of economic blockade imposed by some Assam-based organisations at Mariani in Assam’s Jorhat district, whereby movement of all vehicles to Nagaland along NH 702D has been restricted, both Mokokchung district administration and Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MCCI) have claimed that there was sufficient stock of all commodities.
Mentioning that the status was found during an assessment of stocks and prices at Mokokchung town on November 29 by the district administration, Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) and MCCI, deputy commissioner (DC) Limawabang Jamir requested the public not to resort to panic buying. He also asked all traders to adhere to the price list of essential commodities fixed by MMC.
The DC also provided helpline numbers for any public grievances faced in this regard –8131836575 (district administration), 7005850562 (MMC) and 9436006062 (MCCI).
Meanwhile, MCCI too claimed that there was sufficient stock of all commodities and that prices were stable.
Assuring that efforts are being made to replenish the market to meet public demand without any hitch despite the economic blockade, the trade body urged the people not to resort to panic buying as this would create artificial scarcity of goods and commodities in the market. Further, it also requested the public not to fall prey to rumours or unconfirmed reports.
In order to take stock of the situation in local market, MCCI said it conducted an empirical assessment of stocks and prices on November 29 along with Mokokchung district administration and MMC and was also closely monitoring the market in close coordination with competent authorities in Mokokchung.
Mentioning that price control and regulation of services and commodities without marked MRP are under the purview of district administration and MMC, the trade body advised people not to spread rumour that it was responsible for price hikes. Instead, it clarified that its policy was to ensure that all goods and services are sold in Mokokchung below the prescribed rates set by statuary bodies in the best interest of customers.
MCCI warned traders and businessmen indulging in unethical and illicit business practices like price hike and hoarding by taking undue advantage of the prevailing situation of initiating strong punitive action against them.
Apart from working for protecting the rights and preserving the dignity of business community, MCCI asserted that it was dedicated to serving the people and was ever ready to go the extra mile to ensure that the market was stable under any given circumstances. This was stated in a press release by its president Tsukti Longkumer and general secretary Limalenden Longkumer.