COVID-19: Lockdown spurs panic buying in Kohima

Residents seen buying essential commodities in grocery shops in Kohima on March 23. (Morung Photo) 
 

Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 23

Following a lockdown of the entire state starting from midnight of March 22 as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19, the denizens today resorted to panic-buying goods in the groceries shops here.
In the state capital Kohima, public were seen queuing up the grocery shops.

Fearing shortage of fuel, vehicle users also seen making beeline to petrol pumps.

Nagaland’s chief secretary Temjen Toy on Sunday told media persons that there would be no shortage of essential commodities in the state.

 “We are not going to suffer at this point of time for want of essential commodities,” he told media persons.

Nagaland government, in its order on Sunday, ordered that all shops and business establishments, except pharmacies, petrol pumps, grocery shops selling food grains, food items, vegetables, daily use items, other essential commodities and media offices, shall remain closed till further orders.

Meanwhile, Taxi and bus stands across the state capital wore deserted look as government restricted plying of commercial passenger vehicles, both public and private, like buses, taxis, two wheeler taxi etc. till further orders.

KCCI urges citizens not to panic
Kohima Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) informed the citizens of Kohima not to panic on the issue of lockdown by the Government of Nagaland as a precautionary counter measure to fight against the COVID 19 Pandamic, which has resorted to panic buying of food grains and other essential commodities and also directs it's trading community to comply with the directives of the state government.

KCCI requested the public to limit oneself from shopping by best maintaining social distancing while marketing.
All exempted shops and outlets  like gas stations, pharmacies, groceries, fruits and vegetables vendors, bakeries and confectioneries are directed to adopt hygienic practices by putting on masks and also keep hand sanitizer, water and soap in their premises.

KCCI requested the public to maintain normal purchase of food grains and other essential commodities rather than resorting to bulk purchases and  also abstain from harassing/threatening it's members  in case of non availability of commodities, which may lead to unwarranted confusion,  during such a time of situation and also directed its members not to entertain over excessive procurement by buyers out of panic.

KCCI assured the public that food grains and other essential commodities are in stock and will be made available.
KCCI also directs traders and shop owners to strictly adhere to the MRP and not engage  in high pricing or charging exorbitant rates on commodities by trying to take advantage of the situation.

Members and also the public may contact the following nos for any queries or grievances : 9436016529/9402471997/9436845163/ 9612886255

KMC seizes trade license for hiking rate 
The Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) today seized a trade license bearing BK Grocery as the later was caught selling rice at higher rate during this lockdown at Phoolbari, Kohima. KMC today conducted surprise inspection to check hoarding and price hike of essential commodities in Kohima town. KMC cautioned all the groceries and other shops selling essential commodities to desist from price hike. If found, severe action will be taken to the extent of cancelling the trade license, KMC warned.

KMC administrator Kovi Meyase informed the public that essential commodities including petrol and diesel are available in stock. He discouraged panic buying.