Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a high level meeting on Monday to review arrangements for Muharram.
The meeting at Civil Secretariat was attended by heads of religious organisations, eminent members of Shia Community; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Sh M.K Sinha, ADGP Hqrs; Sh Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir; Sh Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Administrative Secretaries; Deputy Commissioners; Heads of Departments and other senior officers of UT administration.
“This is the occasion of utmost religious importance for all of us. The UT administration and Government of India is working with sensitivity and commitment to ensure that all arrangements are made for smooth, safe and hassle-free conduct of Muharram,” the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor directed the Deputy Commissioners to ensure improved connectivity to Imambaras, power supply, availability of extra ration, water and basic amenities, regular market inspection, cleanliness, traffic management, best possible medical facilities to the people.
He also sought valuable inputs from the eminent representatives of Shia Community on the Muharram arrangements. The Lt Governor assured prompt and appropriate steps to address the issues and demands raised during the interaction.
Deputy Commissioners briefed the meeting on the preparations and arrangements made in their respective districts for Muharram.
Meanwhile, In order to prevent any profiteering and black marketing in Srinagar District during the Holy month of Muharram, the Special Market Checking teams of District Administration Srinagar conducted “intensified” market checking in various parts of the City District particularly Shia populated areas.
The Drive was conducted on the directions of the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad to curb the practice of illegal profiteering in markets and ensure all essential commodities are sold at Government approved rates as per the quality standards with sufficient availability of consumables.
The major drive was conducted by the market checking team headed by Tehsildar Eidgah, Ishfaq Ahmad Khan which inspected number of markets in Zadibal, Hawal, Alamgari Bazar in the Tehsil Eidgah during which several erring shopkeepers were booked for failing to maintain the quality of food items, not displaying rate lists of essential commodities, selling expiry products, besides indulging in practices of illegal profiteering and sale of underweight products.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad stressed on owners of all Business establishments to maintain quality and standard of essential commodities and ensure all essential commodities are sold at Government approved rates. He asked the Market checking squad to continue the drive on regular basis in months ahead as part of pro-consumer measures.(GNs)
