Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 14
DIMAPUR, the commercial hub of Nagaland, on Thursday evening witnessed a dramatic scene wherein the panic stricken residents were seem scrambling for a packet of common salt (Sodium Chloride) following dubious rumours over its short supply in the following next couple of days.Till late Thursday evening, panic consumers were seem knocking on the doors of every shop for a kilogram of salt only to find their endeavour was in vain. Following the rumour, the stock of common salt in all the shops ran out of stocks.
It was reported that branded salt weighting 1 kilogram Rs 10 as MRP were sold as high as Rs 40 amounting to 300% net profit. To the dismay of the onlookers, buyers were seen willing to pay for any sum for one kilogram salt.
Salt in all the shops at Signal Bosti ran out of stock within hours following reports of the shortage.
People of all ages were seen queuing up to get their share of salt.
Though the cause for the sudden shortfall in the supply of common salt could not be ascertained, allegations have pointed towards Bihar which was supposed to have originated following political bickering between rival parties.
While some gullible shopkeepers have disposed the item at nominal MRP rate, some sly shop owners have had a gala day by making additional bonus to the tune of 300% profit following the rumour.
Unconfirmed report from Kohima also stated rates of 1 kilogram common salt were charged at Rs 300.
When contacted, officials of Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industries (DCCI) have rubbished the rumours.
Speaking to this Reporter over phone, DCCI president Hokivi Chishi, who is currently in Guwahati, said there is no need to panic as there is sufficient stock of salt which could last for couple of months. He has outrightly denounced those unscrupulous elements who were out to make personal aggrandizement out of the situation.
DCCI president, Hokivi Chishi has urged all consumers to report such act of manipulation by business establishment to the organization for initiating necessary action.
The Dimapur Police also late night reacting to the rumour sent out their force to make arrests of the unscrupulous rumour mongers. Further a communiqué from the Superintendent of Police,Dimapur also states that consumers who have purchased salt at the hiked rates can report to the police for assistance to retrieve the excess amount paid from the shopkeepers.
