PPCM presses for strong measures to control prices

IMPHAL, Oct 28
The Protection and Preservation Committee Manipur (PPCM) has urged the State Government to effectively regulate and control the ever inflating prices of essential commodities.
The PPCM, in a press release noted that the economic condition of the State people has been seriously depleted owing to the Covid pandemic. And to everyone's disappointment, there have been no significant steps from Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Weight and Measures Department to check price rise and to effectively control fraudulent activities by the traders, the committee charged.
The PPCM also questioned laxity on the part of the Manipur Consumer Club even as people continue to remain under immense pressure due to skyrocketing prices of essential commodities.
As the concept that the State is become self-reliant, the non locals are controlling Manipur's economy and if the situation continues, it will not be long from them to enjoy complete monopoly, the PPCM charged.
The PPCM is strongly against the manipulation of prices by non locals and as such, the committee functionaries will soon launch an intensive campaign to check the irregularities and to help alleviate the suffering of the people, it said.
What is more worrisome is import and sale of machine manufactured traditional clothing at cheaper prices hitting hard local handloom artisans and those making their livelihood by vending local handloom products, said the PPCM with concern.
Moreover, dependency on non local products, has been adversely affecting the local workers, it said.
If people of Manipur fail to take a united stand to launch a movement akin to non cooperation movement, non locals will gradually capture everything  and the downfall of society is imminent, it noted.
Further, PPCM also called upon all to celebrate this year's Ningol Chakkouba festival sans extravaganza.