Operation Sindoor Sparks Panic Buying in Amritsar Amid Border Tensions
Following India’s precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir under Operation Sindoor, panic has gripped residents in Amritsar, a frontline district near the border. The fear of a potential Pakistani retaliation has triggered a wave of panic buying across the city.
By Thursday morning, long queues formed outside grocery stores, supermarkets, medical shops, petrol pumps, and ATMs, as residents rushed to stockpile essential goods. Local shopkeepers reported a massive surge in demand for basic commodities.
“By noon, we were out of wheat flour — 250 quintals gone. People are buying in bulk, 20 to 30 kg at a time. Stocks of lentils, cooking oil, sugar, salt, and soaps are also nearly depleted,” said Ashu, a store manager on Lawrence Road. Popular supermarket chains such as D-Mart and Reliance Fresh also witnessed a surge in footfall as people rushed to fill carts with essentials.
Ritu Sareen, a resident of Chheherta, said, “There’s a lot of fear about when Pakistan might respond. Given Amritsar’s proximity to the border, panic buying of medicines and food feels like a natural reaction.”
Medical stores have also reported bulk purchases of medications, including painkillers, diabetes supplies, and treatments for common infections. Fuel stations across the district saw long lines of vehicles from as early as 8 a.m., shortly after the Deputy Commissioner ordered the closure of all schools and colleges in light of the escalating border situation.
Misinformation Fuels Chaos
Adding to the confusion was a fake advisory circulating on social media, falsely warning of a “tense situation at the border” and urging residents to hoard fuel, cash, and medicines. Authorities have since debunked the advisory and urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information.
Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma reassured residents that there is no shortage of essential commodities in the district, including fuel, medicines, and ration supplies. “People should not engage in panic buying or hoarding, as this could encourage black marketing,” she warned, adding that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in hoarding or profiteering.
She also appealed to residents to remain calm and vigilant. “Do not act on baseless rumours or social media messages. Verify any news or advisory with official sources before sharing,” she said.
Leave A Comment