Availability of mutton: Govt mulls to provide alternative to consumers

Will take a decision in next few days, says Dir FCS&CA

Amid ongoing seizure of mutton shops across Srinagar for violation of norms, the government is seriously considering to provide alternatives to the people where the mutton at set rates will be made available for the consumers.

Pertinently, nearly 90 mutton shops have been sealed in Srinagar after the dealers were found selling the meat at exorbitant rates while some wholesalers have also faced the law.

Director, Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs department (FCS&CA), Abdul Salam Mir told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the department has been considering providing alternatives to the consumers.

“We will make an alternative available for the consumers in the next few days," he said, adding that the issue is under consideration.

The consideration comes at a time when the mutton dealers, wholesalers and others are taking the streets to protest against the seizure of shops by the department for not adhering to the government rates.

“We are not selling meat at exorbitant rates, but the rates set by the government are too low,” the protesters said.

Notably, the consumers are facing hardships while buying the mutton as most of the dealers have now switched to selling chicken after the seizure of many shops in Srinagar.

The drive against mutton dealers took a pace in the first week of January as the people complained that the mutton is being sold @Rs 650 against the government set rate of Rs 535—(KNO)