Srinagar: The PDP today refuted the administration's claim about adequate stocks of essential commodities in Kashmir and suggested creation of a panel of officials to tackle the crisis caused by shortage of food and other items in the valley.

"The grave situation arising out of the shortage of essential commodities needs to be tackled... We suggest setting up of crisis management cell consisting of people-friendly and honest officers to deal with the situation," Senior PDP leaders Abdul Aziz Zargar, Abdul Rehman Veerai and Syed Sartaj Madni said in a joint statement here.

They said the establishment of the crisis management cell was imperative to check complaints of black-marketing by consumer affairs and Public distribution (CAPD) officials and ensure smooth supply of essential commodities to the people.

"Although the government is claiming adequate stocks of essential commodities, the ground situation belies the claim," the PDP leaders said adding news about "starvation" of the people are being received from every nook and corner of the valley.

In a separate statement, PDP General secretary Nizamuddin Bhat demanded early survey of the losses suffered by fruit growers in the valley during the prolonged stir over the Amarnath land row.

Meanwhile, an official spokesman said a total of 1878 load carriers departed and entered the valley during last 24 hours.

Of these, 990 trucks and tankers carrying essential commodities and fuel entered the valley and 888 trucks laden with fruits, vegetables and other commodities besides empty tankers left it during the same period, he said. PTI AMS ALM 09041805 DEL NNNN
Source : PTI