Stringent lockdown

Guwahati is amidst the lockdown since midnight of Sunday and it is a welcome move for most of us. As all of us need access to supplies and the likes during such a lockdown, I was totally dejected by the way shopping had to be done this time.

Things disappeared from the shelves within no time. Shopkeepers had a field day but it was difficult for most of us to collect the necessary items. To add to the woes was the price hike of most of vegetables, mustard oil etc within a night. People had to shell out extra money to procure them.

When the administration decides to enforce a lockdown, it is also its duty to take all stakeholders and ensure that the prices remain stable during such a crisis. Price rise is a common phenomenon now as wholesalers keep on increasing the price citing various reasons like floods etc. Identity cards of shopkeepers and vendors, price of items etc should be made mandatory and the government to check price rise strictly. We the commoners have to become scapegoat every time. Guwahati witnesses a huge number of vegetable vendors, fish and poultry sellers every day. An identity card will also help people to be at ease while buying items from such vendors and will also be able to keep a track on the floating population. But then, it will be a meaningless exercise if done half heartedly.

People should be happy and only when there is smooth coordination one can remain healthy.

Purabi Pathak Barua,

Guwahati