Gorging on eggs and chicken for free

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 24

Even as the bird flu threat continues to give jitters to the UT Administration and Health Department, beggars and daily wagers gorged on eggs and non-vegetarian items offered to them for free today.

To encourage the consumption of poultry products, the local Meat Market Welfare Association distributed free of cost boiled eggs along with cooked chicken outside the meat market in Sector 21. A large number of beggars and daily wagers thronged the stall to gorge on the sumptuous snacks.

Fearing a dip in their businesses in the wake of the bird flu threat, the local poultry associations joined hands to distribute free boiled eggs and cooked chicken to the general public.

The ‘freebies’ distribution commenced at about 1.30 pm and went on till 7.30pm.

The office-bearers of the association claimed to have distributed more than 6,000 boiled eggs and three quintal of cooked chicken for free.

“We are distributing poultry products to spread awareness among the general public. The flu has got nothing to do with poultry products. People should continue to eat non-vegetarian meals. We organised this free sale on a non-profit basis to encourage the sale of products,” said Johnny, general secretary, Chandigarh Meat Market Welfare Association.

Asked about the supply of freebies, the office-bearer said, “The products here are purely genuine. The same products are distributed at all meat shops or outlets in Chandigarh. The poultry business in the city should not be affected due to rumours about bird flu.”

On other hand, beggars and daily wagers could be seen enjoying themselves to the hilt.

“No matter even if it’s a rumour or reality, we are getting non-vegetarian food for free. It’s been a long time that I ate chicken,” said Pinku, a beggar.

Digging into her plate, his wife Lata said, “I don’t know why are we being offered chicken for free?. I’m making the most of it. It’s been so long that both my sons ate non-vegetarian food. They should organise such events every week.”