Mad rush at major markets in Kohima, Dimapur ahead of state-wide total lockdown

Our Correspondent/ Reporter
Kohima/Dimapur, May 12 (EMN): Kohima citizens resorted to panic buying on Wednesday following the state government’s announcement of total lockdown across Nagaland beginning 6 pm on May 14 till the 21st.

Huge crowds thronged various marketplaces in Kohima tossing aside social and physical distancing norms in the air. Buyers were seen squeezing into vegetable shops, grocery shops, meat shops etc., fearing stocks would run out.

However, people were seen wearing masks.

Taking advantage of the few hours before the total lockdown comes into effect, some shopkeepers and street vendors were found selling provisions at a higher price.

A street vendor was selling a bunch of bananas (local) normally costing INR 80 for INR 150 on Wednesday. Another shopkeeper was charging INR 50 for a bunch of vegetables (local) instead of the normal cost INR 20/30.

Buyers were overheard complaining about exorbitant prices only for the shopkeeper to respond, “kikuribo na, etiya tuh total lockdown hoishey” (‘what can I do, it’s total lockdown now’).

A resident of New Ministers’ Hill Colony complained that he paid INR 50 for a kilo of tomatoes (non local), which was INR 20 more than the normal price (before total lockdown was announced). He further expressed frustration at the ‘unreasonable’ attitude of shopkeepers during lockdown.

Heavy traffic was also witnessed near traffic points during the shopping windows from 6 am to 2 pm, as citizens came out of their homes to buy provisions. Besides, there were also families getting ready to return to their respective villages in these two days.

A newly married couple said that they would be going back to their village and stay there until the total lockdown is lifted.

In Dimapur too, mad rush was witnessed at major markets selling vegetables and fruits, as people resorted to buying in bulk. Some vegetable vendors were also seen leaving early after selling off all their products by early afternoon.

It may be mentioned that the state government on Tuesday announced state-wide total lockdown amid demands from civil society organisations to impose such a measure to arrest the steep rise in Covid cases and casualties over the last few weeks.