Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 06 2010:
Taking serious note of the 'obvious' hoarding of essential goods by big traders and big time players, to hike the prices, All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) is all set to conduct raids on godowns located within Imphal city with effect from today.
In this regard, AMSU president Irengbam James-bond Mangang has appealed to the police for co-operation and support during the raid.
Talking to mediapersons today, Jamesbond explained that the decision to raid the godowns has been taken as the businessmen have been hoarding the essential goods specially foodstuff and hiking their prices.
So, at the time of conducting the raids, if the police are going to arrest the AMSU volunteers then it would create a bigger problem.
He asserted that the Government has not been able to control the price as well as the quantity of essential goods in Manipur and the same is being done by the businessmen who arbitrarily hike the prices.
AMSU cannot be a mute spectator to this and the Government should not turn a blind eye to the suffering of the people, he said.
Recalling that on May 10 last AMSU and Bazar Board Communities had already taken a joint decision to regulate the prices of essential goods in Manipur as the supply line had remained affected during the over 2 months long total blockade imposed by ANSAM and UNC, the student leader, however, lamented that essential goods and commodities are still not available to the people at the regulated rate.
As per the regulated rate, 1 kg of Potato should cost only Rs 10, but it is being sold at Rs 25 in the market today and 50 kg of Superfine rice should cost only 850 but the traders are charging upto Rs 1250, he pointed out.