Ahead of Eid: Amid Covid pandemic markets abuzz with shoppers

Srinagar: Amid Covid-19 pandemic markets in interiors in length and breadth of Kashmir are abuzz with shoppers ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
Eid-ul-Azha will be celebrated in Kashmir on Saturday and government has already eased out restrictions though there are strict orders that only those shops that sell essential items will remain open.
“We are confused with this government order. What essential items are, we don’t understand. Children demand new clothes ahead of every Eid so we should be allowed to carry our business these days,” said the owner of a readymade garments shop at Regal Chowk.
Some shops selling clothes and shoes were seen open in city centre Lal Chowk. Though, certain restrictions are in place in Lal Chowk Srinagar, but the markets in the interiors of Srinagar city are open and there is huge rush.
“The markets in the interiors remained never closed and people were always seen buying stuff in these markets. It were the only main markets that were closed for the people,” said a customer to news agency KNT.
These markets wore a festive look as people have come out in large numbers to shop. However, there are no fixed prices of any commodities and items, which are being sold by the traders and vendors at higher rates. With just three days left for the festival, which will be celebrated on Saturday across Kashmir Valley.
A customer alleged that the government has failed to keep a check on the rate of bakery items as the bakers are charging higher rates. Roadside vendors have also setup their stalls in different parts. However, reports said that at many places where people were not following SOP’s, police enforced shutdown and didn’t allow shopkeepers to open their shops.
In South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, the district police chief was seen monitoring the activities in markets himself. He was urging upon traders to follow Covid SOP’s and sell the goods on the rates fixed by the government.
Mutton Dealers and those associated with cattle trade were seen at different places including Eidgah Srinagar setting up stalls to sell sacrificial animals.
Main markets in other districts of Kashmir Valley including Shopian, Kulgam, Pulwama, Ganderbal, Budgam, Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora also witnessed heavy rush of customers despite Covid-19 pandemic, however, majority of the customers and shopkeepers were seen wearing face masks. (KNT)