Shillong, May 8 (UNI) Amidst growing India-Pakistan tensions, the Meghalaya government has advised its citizens to refrain from panic buying of essential commodities.

A Food and Civil Supplies official said that Meghalaya has adequate supplies and there is no immediate threat to food security.

“Buffer stocks have been strategically placed across districts, and that vigilance teams are actively monitoring to prevent hoarding or black-marketing of essential commodities,” the official said on Thursday.

Despite the government's assurance, markets in Shillong and other parts of the state saw a surge in footfalls, with consumers going on a buying spree, purchasing all they could following India's "Operation Sindoor" against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

“I appeal to everyone in the state not to panic. We are closely monitoring the situation, and all districts currently have adequate supplies, including buffer stocks,” Food and Civil Supplies Minister Comingone Ymbon said.

“In the event of further escalation, the government would reassess the situation and take appropriate measures,” he assured.

The government also issued a stern warning to traders and shopkeepers against taking advantage of the situation by inflating the prices of essentials.

“I request all shop owners not to do that, as the department’s price vigilance committee is constantly monitoring the prices of commodities. We also have a dashboard,” Ymbon said.

“Meghalaya is well-prepared and not facing any supply shortage,” he said.

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