People thronged the markets of Dimapur on Saturday to stock up on essential commodities following the call for indefinite bandh by Joint Co-ordination Committee (JCC) starting February 13.
Business establishments across Dimapur reportedly registered twofold increase in sales on Saturday as compared to normal days.
The markets of Dimapur were witness to sudden buying spree as perishable commodities sold like hot cakes and the number of customers kept increasing throughout the day till late evening.
According to market estimates, the sale of rice, pulses and oil were “abnormal” on Saturday. Likewise, eggs and green vegetables were also out of stock by Saturday evening.
“We don’t know how long the bandh will stretch on. In such situation, food becomes the foremost priority,” said one shopper who declared his stock would last for almost a month.
Chemists were also seen doing brisk business as patients bought their bills in bulk.
“Pharmacies may be exempted from the bandh but if there is restriction on movement we will suffer. We don’t want to take any chances,” said a customer whose father was undergoing treatment for appendicitis.
A lactating mother who came to buy medicines for her newborn said the bandh was for greater good of the Nagas but “I wonder if he will understand”.
Some owners of illegal liquor joints also informed that sale of alcohol have increased after the announcement of the bandh.
With no certainty over the ongoing imbroglio with regard to ULB elections, people from all walks of life have been stocking up on essential commodities. Preparations for an indefinite bandh meanwhile have been well anticipated by the general public and they sit in waiting for an outcome.
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