GUWAHATI, Dec 14 - Notwithstanding the relaxation of curfew from morning hours to afternoon, the citizens are having a tough time in coping with the disruption in their routine lives since the past five days.
Shortage of foodstuff apart, cash crunch has also affected the citizens with the ATMs witnessing long queues this morning. Visitors to the State from outside, too, were getting stranded and having a torrid time, with their travel plans going absolutely awry.
The shortage in the supply of foodstuff has effected a steep rise in the prices of vegetables, eggs, etc. �We have been compelled to buy vegetables at high rates due to the prevailing situation. We hope that the curfew is lifted completely, as things have otherwise returned to normal,� a resident of Sixmile area said.
The disruption in the internet service has also hit the people and business hard. Among the worst affected have been the media houses, as outstation correspondents finding it very difficult to send news reports.
�I am largely dependent on the internet for my business-related matters, including transactions. With the discontinuation in internet services, my business has been hit hard,� a trader from Lakhtokia area rued.
People have also alleged highhandedness by the police and security forces at places. Even journalists on duty were not spared of such unwarranted highhandedness by the security forces.
�This is terrible. We have to work during odd hours and often well into the night. Misbehaviour and highhandedness towards journalists is absolutely uncalled for and needs to be condemned. We also urge the administration and the police to ensure that journalists are not harassed by security men as well as miscreants masquerading as protesters,� a senior journalist said.
