People rush to buy essential supplies

Tribune News Service
Srinagar, February 23

Panic gripped Kashmir Valley on Saturday in the wake of the massive crackdown on the Jamaat-i-Islami in Kashmir and the immediate deployment of nearly 100 companies of paramilitary forces in the valley.

In Srinagar and other major towns of the Valley, people were seen thronging the grocery shops and petrol pumps even as the Directorate of the Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Srinagar, today told all tehsil supply officers to positively ensure the complete sale of foodgrains by this evening and also submit the information about the sale up to February 22.

Given the unfolding dynamic situation in the region amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the Pulwama incident, the authorities in the Srinagar medical college today ordered the immediate cancellation of the winter vacations of the faculty members with instructions to them to remain available at their place of postings.

The Director Health Services, Kashmir, also issued orders this evening, asking all chief medical officers to take stock of the drugs and medicines available.

As news regarding this spread, the commercial hub of Lal Chowk and other markets in Srinagar witnessed a spontaneous shutdown, with people thronging grocery shops and petrol stations to purchase essential items. “I visited almost every petrol station in the city looking for petrol, but could not find it as the stocks had already vanished. There was a huge rush of people with their cars,” said Sadia Mufti, a Srinagar resident.

Almost at every coffee shop, restaurant or other public spaces in the summer capital, people were seen discussing the emerging situation on the border, the fate of Article 35A and its impact on the ground situation.

People were getting calls from their relatives and well-wishers on how to cope up with the unfolding situation, with main focus on storing rations, including edibles, pulses and petrol and diesel to cope up with the explosive situation on the borders.

People throng shops

• In Srinagar and other major towns of the Kashmir valley, people were seen thronging the grocery shops and petrol pumps 
• The Director Health Services, Kashmir, issued directions on Saturday evening, asking all chief medical officers to take stock of the drugs and medicines available in hospitals