Vohra orders probe into shortage of kerosene in Kashmir

Acting on complaints regarding shortage of kerosene oil in Kashmir Valley, Governor NN Vohra on Tuesday ordered a probe into the matter.

The Governor has directed the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Rohit Kansal to send a detailed report on the matter by January 14, a Raj Bhawan spokesman said.

Kansal has also been asked to review the position of all essential commodities, and the prices for which they are being charged in the report.

A similar direction has been issued to the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, he said.

Seeking immediate withdrawal of Centre’s decision to reduce kerosene quota to Kashmir, senior PDP MP Tariq Hameed Karra has sought Union Petroleum Minister’s personal intervention of the in the matter.

“We are seeking immediate revocation of the Union petroleum ministry’s order reducing kerosene oil quota to Kashmir. I have sought personal intervention of the Union petroleum minister in the matter”, Karra said in a statement.

In a communication to the Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Karra described the reduction as an unfair decision.

The arbitrary move has not only added to the miseries of common people in Kashmir who are dependent on extra fuel during winters, but has especially made the life of flood- affected people miserable who are living in makeshift places, Karra said.

The massive 37 per cent cut in kerosene oil supply to Kashmir would also leave hundreds of people, who are dependent on the trade for their livelihood, jobless, he added.