The cause of hike in price of essential commodities in Tura has been attributed to pressure of an organisation called Meghalaya Chamber of Commerce, which was operational under the behest of arrested State BJP vice-president and Tura MDC, Bernard Marak.
This was revealed by West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police, Vivekanand Singh Rathore today following a confidential enquiry conducted by Meghalaya police.
According to Rathore, Bernard was aided by other persons, Wilver Dango M. Marak, Anish M. Sangma, Patcheng T. Sangma etc. He said that the organisation was collecting huge amount of money from the shopkeepers in the name of membership fee and monthly renewal fees and the commission from the hiked prices were being channelled clandestinely to the persons and their accomplices.
“The office bearers of the organization have been threatening the non-tribal businessmen of the area to obtain “No Objection Certificate” from Bernard N. Marak @ Rimpu who is a member of the GHADC without which their “Trading by Non-Tribal (TNT) License” cannot be renewed. Huge sum of money is extorted from these businessmen for issue of this certificate which was completely illegal,” the SP added.
Residents of Tura have complaint hike in prices of snack, fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat etc.
Following the findings, a discussion was also held with the shopkeepers. Rathore said the Sweets and Confectionaries Association of Tura has decided to slash the prices of sweets and snacks in the interest of general public with effect from yesterday.
A case has been registered against the Meghalaya Chamber of Commerce and investigation is on, Rathore said.
Meanwhile, he said it is also learnt that some persons have been indulging in monopolistic activities and extorting money from the suppliers in the name of protection money. “They compel the shopkeepers to purchase the stuff from a particular supplier at the prices fixed as per their whims and fancies. After collecting more facts, action shall be taken in due course,” the SP said.
The West Garo Hills police further warned of strict action against any attempt at monopolising the markets by creating cartels, hoarding, black marketing etc.
