SHILLONG, Sep 13: The opposition VPP on Friday slammed the state government for tying up the rise in prices of essential commodities to the lack of railways (goods trains) in the state.
“I understand that the prices in Assam are cheaper since that state is connected with goods trains and they are closer to mainland India as compared to Meghalaya. Unfortunately, the price of essential commodities is cheaper in other parts of the region like Mizoram,” VPP chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit said on Monday during a sit-in called by the party at Malki ground in protest against rising prices of essential goods and the government’s move to disallow a opportunity to the VPP to raise the issue on the floor of the House during the recent autumn session of the Assembly.
Basaiawmoit questioned whether the hike in the price of beef was due to the unavailability of goods train or short supply of cattle.
He warned the government that they would be compelled to hit the streets if they are denied the opportunity to discuss burning issues in the Assembly.
He recalled that Food and Civil Supplies Minister Comingone Ymbon had tabled his reply in the Assembly on price rise without allowing the members to discuss the contentious matter which is affecting the common citizens.
The VPP chief said they had intended to raise the matter in the House as they wanted the government to explain the reasons behind the escalation of prices of essential commodities.
He pointed out that a critical factor leading to price rise is the “illegal collection” in various toll gates along the national highways.
The VPP chief lamented that the indigenous population remains muted and is not aggressive like other communities who will come out on to the streets to oppose any slight hike in prices of essential commodities.
According to him, this soft attitude of the indigenous population paves the way for traders to take advantage.
“However, it is the government which has failed to monitor the price fixed for essential commodities. Traders in Iewduh are selling almost all items at a higher price,” Basaiawmoit claimed.
The VPP chief warned that they will organise more aggressive protests if the state government fails to address the issue.
