Western Sumi Hoho, while acknowledging the state authorities for taking all round initiatives and counter measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic expressed concern on the escalation of prices of essential commodities by unscrupulous traders in Dimapur.
Urging the district administration and Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) to immediately check such malpractices, if not, WSH warned that the hoho will be forced to take some retaliatory steps that may not be pleasant. During lockdown period, WSH said people resort to stocking up essential commodities and panic buying, where deceitful traders manipulate on a full scale and the innocent public are forced to pay almost whatever the shopkeeper demand.
WSH therefore demanded that the district administration and the DMC take stringent measures against such practices.
WSH further directed all the village chieftains, village councils and area leaders to control and restrict the movement of people and prohibit entry of any outsiders in their respective villages and jurisdiction, as most of them still seemed to be moving freely despite the directives of social distancing and to stay at home due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.
“It will be a catastrophic situation which will be beyond our control if every individual does not cooperate and act responsibly,” WSH stated.