Salt shortage rumours swirl in Barak

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

Silchar, Nov 12: After all the inconveniences and harassment of people following the abrupt banishment of the currency notes of Rs.500 and Rs.1000 which still continue, comes the rumour that it has also adversely impacted the market. A rumour on the banishment of salt from the market has been not only a cause of worry but also a matter of discussion on the streets. It became stronger as the day rolled on. From a rickshaw puller to vendor and people of all sections began to talk about the non availability of the most essential cooking ingredient. Even persons of knowledge were heard how salt has disappeared from grocery shops.

 Spicy talks could be heard as one was relating to other how the price of a kg of salt has soared double. There was a sort of hectic rush in some middle class families to store as another rumour went ahead to caution that in coming days the crisis would become severe. Some grocery shops themselves added to the panic by turning the rumour into reality and cautioned the customers in a huff to have as much salt as they needed, but not at the normal price.

 Some customer was even heard saying a shop had exhausted all its stock of salt and the rush of customers was high. It was his way of making fast buck. When queries were made in the main market of Fatak Bazaar and with the Food Merchants’ Association, the entire rumour-mongering was described as the handiwork of some mischievous elements. They assured there is sufficient stock of all essential commodities and there is no cause of any anxiety.