Markets to remain open as usual

The UT Administration has withdrawn the earlier request for the voluntary closure of shops and other establishments in the city. All shops and establishments are now permitted to operate as usual, said Deputy Commissioner (DC) Nishant Kumar Yadav.

Earlier, the DC, along with SSP Kanwardeep Kaur, held a special media briefing. He extended his gratitude to residents for their cooperation during the voluntary blackout observed after 7 pm yesterday in the city.

As there was no immediate threat or air raid warning, the DC had requested the residents to voluntarily remain indoors after 9 pm. Similarly, all commercial establishments including shops, malls, clubs, hotels and restaurants were urged to close by 9 pm on a voluntary basis. He advised the public not to panic and warned of strict action against anyone found hoarding or exploiting the situation by profiting from essential goods. However, this request for the voluntary closure of shops was withdrawn later as the news of ceasefire between Indian and Pakistan reached the Administration.

Earlier in the day, the Sector 26 mandi witnessed a huge rush of people who were on a buying spree in anticipation of a full-scale war with Pakistan. Aman Kumar, a resident of Sector 29, said he had come to purchase potatoes and onions for at least a month if a war breaks out with Pakistan.

“No one knows, how long the war will last,” he said after purchasing his stock. The situation was no different at grocery stores in the city. Residents lined up at the shops to stock dry ration.

Also, long queues were witnessed outside ATMs in the city to withdraw money. Many ATMs had run out of cash.

A similar situation was witnessed at the petrol pumps in many sectors.