‘Shortage’ of commodities in Rajouri, Poonch
Tribune News Service

Rajouri, August 12
Even as the Kashmir valley continued to simmer under “economic blockade,” the residents of Rajouri and Poonch districts alleged that they were also facing acute shortage of essential commodities and medicines.

Residents said the districts, which get the supplies from Jammu, have not received the lot for weeks.

“Since the members of a particular community are agitating over the Amarnath land issue in Jammu, the supply of the essential commodities and medicines has been hit very badly. People here are been made to suffer due to this agitation,” said Abdul Hameed, a resident.

Sources claimed due to disruption in Jammu, the fresh supply of essential commodities and medicines could not reach these border districts.

A health officer at the district hospital here confirmed that the hospital is grappling with shortage of life-saving drugs and has limited stock for two days if some emergency happens.

“We have asked the director, Health, to supply medicines. The supplies are awaited,” he maintained.

There have been protests in Mandi, Mendhar and Surankote areas of Poonch district wherein members of majority community had alleged that the government has failed to restore supplies of essential commodities and medicines to these areas.

They also had reportedly warned the state government that in case the supplies were not restored they would be forced to get these from Rawlakote in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Rajouri deputy commissioner Sheikh Rafiq admitted that there was some shortage of essential commodities and medicines but added that same would be overcome within a day or two.

DC Poonch, Muhammad Afzal also confirmed that there was shortage of essential commodities and medicines in Poonch but added that the supply lines would be restored in two days.