The recent spell of incessant rains and floods in Jammu and Kashmir has caused widespread destruction. Fields have been washed away, bridges and roads have collapsed, and the rhythm of daily life has been thrown off balance. Natural disasters are harsh trials in themselves, yet the sudden and sharp rise in the prices of essential commodities such as vegetables and fruits has made survival even more difficult for the common citizen.
For working-class families, small employees, and daily wage earners, the household budget is already a fragile balance. When the price of a kilo of vegetables or fruit suddenly shoots beyond reach, this is not merely inflation—it is a social crisis. Crops may be lost and transportation networks disrupted, but allowing profiteering and hoarding to thrive under the cover of disaster is inexcusable. Sadly, such times often expose the worst instincts of a few, who exploit human misery for personal gain.
This situation demands a firm and immediate response from the government. The administration must not only restore supply chains but also keep strict watch over markets. Those who hoard goods to create artificial scarcity and inflate prices must face stringent action. Citizens have a right to expect that in moments of hardship, the government stands firmly with them and not helplessly before profiteers.
Price regulation needs to be transparent and enforced on the ground. Mechanisms must be created for daily monitoring of essential commodities across every district. Local administrations must remain in continuous dialogue with traders and suppliers to ensure uninterrupted movement of goods from farms to markets. Public grievance redressal systems—helplines, monitoring teams, and quick-response cells—should be established so that citizens can report violations and seek timely relief.
The most urgent need after any disaster is not only shelter but also affordable access to food and daily essentials. If, at this critical juncture, people are pushed into exploitation, the wounds of calamity become even deeper. Inflation, therefore, is not just an economic problem but also a moral and social test. Those who choose to profit from people’s helplessness may earn in numbers but lose in humanity.
It is imperative that profiteering practices are rooted out, not only by state machinery but also through collective social vigilance. Civil society, community organizations, and responsible citizens must work alongside authorities to ensure fairness in the markets.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir are already struggling with the aftereffects of floods. To let them further suffer under the weight of inflation and exploitation would be sheer injustice. This crisis is a call for decisive action—one that safeguards the poor, restores market discipline, and upholds the dignity of governance. The true measure of leadership lies not in rhetoric but in ensuring that relief and fairness reach every household in need.DD
