Rumours of salt shortage spark panic in Nagaland

KOHIMA: Rumours of shortage of salt in Dimapur, the commercial hub of Nagaland, created panic among consumers in the state.

Official sources today said that news about shortage of salt and subsequent hike in price of the essential food ingredient in Bihar, which is one of the main suppliers of essential commodities to Nagaland, worried consumers in the north-eastern state.

The report led to anxious consumers knocking the doors of shop-keepers in Dimapur district since last night.

Sources said taking advantage of the situation some of the shop-keepers tried to sell the item at higher rates, even to the extent of Rs 40 to Rs 100.

The rumour of shortage spread like wild fire and the effect was visible in other districts, including the sate capital and Mokokchung.

Official sources said that this morning consumers were seen frantically rushing from shop to shop in search of salt but shop-keepers were not willing to sell.

Meanwhile, Dimapur District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DDCCI) President Hukivi Chishi has said that, "there is no shortage of salt in Dimapur and that there should be no price hike". If shop owners enhance the price of salt, this should be brought to the notice of the DDCCI, he added.

Dimapur Superintendent of Police (SP), V Z Angami advised that in case of price hike by shop-keepers, people should report the matter to police.

SP Kohima Rhotihü Tetseo while agreeing that the impact was visible in the state capital, said that the district administration and police have taken control of the situation before price escalation.

Information Assistant under District Public Relation Office Mokokchung said the impact was felt in the town since this morning and the situation would have resulted in escalation of price, but for the timely intervention by the District Administration and Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce & Industries ( MCCI).

The administration and MCCI made public announcement that there was no such shortage of salt in the market.