Locals Cry Out for Government Intervention
Minhaza Mushtaq
Srinagar, Dec 23 : In a move that has left many residents of the Kashmir Valley grappling with the cost of daily sustenance, the price of ‘Kandur roti,’ a fundamental part of Kashmiri cuisine, has surged dramatically. This increase has sparked widespread discontent among locals, who are now urging the government to step in before their staple food becomes a luxury they can ill afford.
The price hike was officially announced by the All Jammu Kashmir Kashmiri Bread Makers and Local Bakers Union, which justified the increase as a response to escalating operational costs and ingredient prices. However, this explanation does little to soothe the frustration of ordinary Kashmiris. Sahil Ahmed, a Srinagar resident, voiced a common sentiment, stating, “The government should intervene to ensure this doesn’t become a burden on families.” Zubair, another local, highlighted the dire implications for everyday people, saying, “Baking rotis (tchot) is a basic food item in every Kashmiri home. If the prices continue to rise like this, many of us won’t be able to afford it regularly.”
Despite claims from Sofi Abdullah Majeed Pampori, president of the Kashmir Bread Makers and Bakers Union, that the price adjustment followed extensive dialogue with authorities and was sanctioned under SRO 300, the public’s reaction has been overwhelmingly negative. The new rate list for 2024-25, which includes significant increases for items like Ghee Bread, Kulcha, and Sharmal, has been met with skepticism and anger. For instance, Ghee Bread now costs Rs 10 for 63 grams and Rs 20 for 105 grams, with Special Kulcha at an exorbitant Rs 400 per kg. These prices are not just numbers on a list; they represent a substantial financial strain on households where every rupee counts.
The union’s directive to shopkeepers to display these rates and sell bread by weight, coupled with warnings against using harmful additives, might be aimed at transparency and quality control, but it does little to address the core issue of affordability. The instructions to comply with government regulations or face closure seem more like a threat than a solution to the current crisis.
The public outcry is clear: this isn’t just about the cost of bread; it’s about the right to afford basic nutrition without financial distress. The government’s silence on this matter is deafening, and the local populace feels abandoned. They are not asking for charity but for intervention to stabilize prices in a way that reflects the economic realities of the region, not just the inflationary pressures on baking materials.
As winter sets in, and with it the increased consumption of warm, traditional foods like Kandur roti, the situation could worsen if no action is taken. The community is looking towards the authorities with hope, but also with a growing sense of urgency and frustration. Will the government heed the call to ensure that the bread of Kashmir remains within reach of its people, or will it allow the cultural and nutritional staple to become a symbol of economic disparity? The coming days will be telling.
