LAMKA, September 5: The major trade union of Churachandpur district, the Lamka Seller and Trade Employment Association that has been constantly monitoring inflation in the district particularly during times of crisis like economic blockades and bandhs today took the keys of 14 shops after the shopkeepers were found selling essential commodities with inflated prices.
The keys were however, handed back to the owners following proper discussion.
The organisation has also been escorting vehicles/ trucks that are stranded in different places fearing the bandh and the present turmoil in the district.
The organisation had also fixed the prices of essential commodities in recent times so that all traders could sell their wares at the same rate and check the price rise.
The leaders of the association also called the traders and informed them of the association`™s resolution and told them that the aim was to create a common platform for the traders and help the people by selling the wares with minimum profit in times like the present situation.
They also informed the traders that they can share their problems with the organisation like the price of super fine rice which is Rs 1100 per bag and which comes to around Rs 1300 after adding labour and transportation charges and as such which is impossible to sell it with the price fixed by organisation.
The organisation would also help the traders and at the same time maintain the interest of the consumers when such issues come up, they said.
It may be mentioned that the initiative of the LATSEA has been benefiting the people of Churachandpur, as prior to their existence the market was manipulated by the traders from outside the State who would withhold their stocks and sell them at sky-high prices which heavily taxed on the poor people.
Some of the traders like one identified as Abung said he understand the effort of the organisation and voluntarily donated cash to them, while others provided fruit drinks and water as refreshment for the sit in protestors.