Tandoor owners in Mansehra have thrown their aprons down in protest against new roti prices set by local authorities. The strike unfolded like a saga, with shuttered tandoors lining the streets of Abbottabad Road, Kashmir Road, and other bustling arteries of Mansehra. It is astonishing that while the tandoors turned cold on the streets, they still churned out rotis for restaurants, leaving many scratching their heads in confusion.
The root of this roti rebellion? Well, it all boils down to the district administration’s decree, as Deputy Commissioner Bilal Shahid Rao boldly declared roti prices at Rs15 for 100 grams and Rs30 for 200 grams. But tandoor owners weren’t having it, shaking their heads at what they deemed unjust rates in the face of skyrocketing inflation.
The people of District Mansehra are demanding the government’s swift action to enforce fair roti prices. And they had a point – with wheat flour prices on a rollercoaster ride, residents argued that a recent drop warranted a slice off the roti bill.
The strike by tandoor owners has disrupted daily life in Mansehra, leaving residents scrambling for affordable rotis amidst soaring inflation. The refusal to accept new roti prices has highlighted the economic strain faced by small businesses, drawing attention to the need for fair pricing policies amid fluctuating market conditions.
Meanwhile, the demand for the release of funds for local councils underscores the ongoing struggle for decentralization and grassroots empowerment in governance. The lack of financial support for municipal services has hindered the ability of local bodies to address community needs, amplifying calls for greater autonomy and resource allocation.