Shimla April 20 : Congress President Kuldeep Singh Rathore expressed anguish over the increase in cement prices by Rs 35 stating that this is the third time in a few months that cement prices have been increased in the state. Cement prices were increased by Rs 15 per bag three months ago as well. Now the cement price stands at Rs 470 per bag. Selling the cement made at the cost of the state’s air and environment to the people at exorbitant rates is a big injustice to the people of the state, said Rathore. Giving his reaction on the increased prices of cement, has called it open loot of the people. He said that the Congress is not going to be silent on this issue. He demanded that the government reduce its prices and said that if the Goverment remains unmoved on this, the Congress would not back down from any mass movement. He said that although the Chief Minister had asked the cement companies some time ago to reduce their prices, the companies failed to do so, as they don’t listen and are acting arbitrarily. He said that there is a nexus between the government and these cement companies. Criticizing the government, Rathore alleged that the government has given a free hand to the cement companies in the state to loot people. Rathore also described the increase in the prices of bars, steel by Rs 400 per quintal as a side effect of inflation on the people and said that the government has left everything Ram Bhorse. The dream of ensuring that people own houses has ended with rising prices of construction materials, he said. ML RKM