As the sacred month of Ramadan begins, it should be a time of spiritual reflection, devotion, and community support. Instead, every year, the people of Jammu and Kashmir especially the poor find themselves battling the ruthless wave of inflation on essential commodities like vegetables, fruits, meat, and chicken. It has become a yearly curse that in the holiest month, when mercy and compassion should prevail, the most vulnerable sections of society are pushed further into desperation and suffering. The market scenario is nothing short of exploitation, where prices of basic food items skyrocket overnight. The cost of meat, which is a staple for many households, becomes almost unaffordable. Vegetables, which should be accessible to all, are priced so high that a poor man has to choose between feeding his family and meeting other basic needs. The situation is particularly alarming in Tangmarg Market, where prices have touched unimaginable levels, making it impossible for an average household to afford a decent meal.
How can we call ourselves a just society if we allow the poor to suffer in Ramadan, the very month that preaches kindness and generosity? This is an earnest plea from the poor sections of Tangmarg and the broader regions of Kashmir. We humbly request the Lieutenant Governor to intervene immediately so that the annual cycle of Ramadan inflation comes to an end. Let this holy month be a time of relief and spiritual fulfillment, not a month of economic misery for the needy.
Why This Unjust Inflation Every Ramadan? Every year, we witness the same pattern: as soon as Ramadan approaches, market forces exploit the increased demand for essential goods. The greed of unscrupulous traders and middlemen leads to artificial shortages, and the government’s weak price control mechanisms allow this cycle of exploitation to continue. The question is: Why does this injustice repeat every year? Why is there no systematic intervention to ensure that food prices remain stable in a month when fasting individuals require more than ever to be well-fed at dawn and dusk? Jammu and Kashmir is a Muslim-majority region, and in this holy month, the spirit of charity, fairness, and kindness should dominate the markets. Yet, the reality is the opposite price hikes bring hardship instead of relief. The ones who suffer the most are always the poor, while the wealthy can still afford to purchase essentials without feeling the economic shock. Why should the poor always bear the brunt of inflation?
Appeal to J& K LG, CM J&K: The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir must take urgent action to address this issue. The government needs to
- Implement strict price regulation during Ramadan to prevent artificial inflation.
- Crack down on hoarders and profiteers who exploit this sacred month for personal gain.
- Ensure market inspections are carried out regularly, especially in regions like Tangmarg, where price exploitation is at its peak.
- Provide subsidies or controlled-price ration shops so that the poor can access essential items without suffering.
Footnote: It is a sheer injustice that in a region where faith and fasting dominate the month, people are forced to struggle for basic food. How can we call ourselves a just society if we allow the poor to suffer in Ramadan, the very month that preaches kindness and generosity? This is an earnest plea from the poor sections of Tangmarg and the broader regions of Kashmir. We humbly request the Lieutenant Governor to intervene immediately so that the annual cycle of Ramadan inflation comes to an end. Let this holy month be a time of relief and spiritual fulfillment, not a month of economic misery for the needy.
(The author is a lawyer and a freelancer. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
