Shillong: Amidst growing India-Pakistan tensions, the Meghalaya government has advised its citizens to refrain from panic buying of essential commodities.
Officials assured the public that the state has adequate supplies and there is no immediate threat to food security.
Reports of India striking terror hideouts across the border, coupled with fears of Pakistani retaliation, led to a spike in purchases on Wednesday.
Responding to the situation, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Comingone Ymbon said, “I appeal to everyone in the state not to panic.”
He said, “We are closely monitoring the situation and all districts currently have adequate supplies, including buffer stocks.”
He further added that in the event of further escalation, the government would reassess the situation and take appropriate measures.
Despite these assurances, residents in Shillong and other areas rushed to stock up on groceries on Wednesday, leaving store shelves half-empty by evening.
The government also issued a stern warning to traders and shopkeepers against taking advantage of the situation by inflating the prices of essentials. “I request all shop owners not to do that, as the department’s price vigilance committee is constantly monitoring the prices of commodities. We also have a dashboard,” Ymbon said.
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The minister reaffirmed that Meghalaya is well-prepared and not facing any supply shortage.
Officials from the Food and Civil Supplies Department confirmed that buffer stocks have been strategically placed across districts and that vigilance teams are actively monitoring to prevent hoarding or black-marketing of essential commodities.
