Traders Call the Shots

In a meek surrender to the traders lobby, the Food and Civil Supply Department of the Government of Assam has fixed the recent high prices of food stuff as the approved prices of the government. This is a shocking betrayal of the people in favour of the greed of traders. We recall that a few days ago, the Chief Minister had remarked that you could not displease the traders too much. We would like to know why. Is it because they are a privileged class or is it because they contribute handsomely to the ruling political party before elections? Should they be treated like sons-in-law even when they are such confirmed enemies of the people? Why should the price of potatoes be fixed at between Rs 20 and Rs 28 by the government when these prices are more than three times the prices prevailing four months ago? Short supplies now is not a valid criterion. The criterion is at what prices the traders had bought what they are selling now. Why should the government feel obliged to allow traders to make a 300 per cent profit? But that is what our government seems determined to do. THE SENTINEL