Srinagar- Markets in Kashmir were abuzz with activity on Saturday as shoppers thronged markets in preparation for Eid-ul Fitr after years of pandemic and security clampdown following abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
Eid in Kashmir will be celebrated early next week.
A good footfall of customers was seen at bakery shops, mutton outlets, chicken vendors, readymade garments and crockery stores, reports said.
Unlike in the past, traffic movement in Lal Chowk city centre was very well managed but other areas of the city witnessed massive traffic snarls due to rush.
The business on the eve of Eid comes after years of shut downs but the levels of activity are still nowhere close to the pre- 2019 period, the local businessmen said.
There is some appetite for shopping among the people but it is not the same as it was before 2019. We have been in a lockdown state for the past three years now, said Shahid Khan, a businessman.
Irfan Bhat, owner of a bakery and confectionary chain, said the sales were better than last year. I hope this is a precursor to economic recovery, he added.
People, however, were unhappy that prices of all the goods have gone up significantly on Eid eve.
Prices of all the eatables have gone up by 20 to 30 per cent. Even mutton, for which the government has fixed a rate of Rs 535 per kilogram, is being sold at Rs 650 per kilogram. Where is the government? Why are there no checks? Asif Bhat, a resident of Indira Nagar, said.
Government on its part says it has formed special squads to keep a check on the quality of goods being sold as well the prices in the market.
Eid-ul Fitr will be celebrated either on Monday or Tuesday depending on the sighting of the crescent.
–With inputs from PTI
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