Srinagar, Aug. 29 -- Residents and market observers say the price jump is not a natural market correction but "open exploitation by suppliers", who are cashing in on the ongoing closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, alleging there is no monitoring by the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) department of Kashmir.

"Before the road was closed, chicken was easily available at Rs 125 per kg. Now, they are selling it for Rs 170-180. This is sheer loot and nobody is questioning them," Bilal Ahmad, a consumer from Rajbagh said, as per news agency KNO.

He added that every disruption is turned into an excuse to exploit people. "Where is the administration's rate enforcement? Is FCS&CA sleeping?" he asked.

Notably, the Jamm...