Facts about meat scandal must be made public: Hurriyat chief

Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday urged the authorities to make facts about the “rotten meat scandal” in Kashmir public to address growing concern and anxiety among people.

Addressing the Friday congregation at Jama Masjid, Srinagar, Mirwaiz expressed “deep concern” over the scandal, which has shaken people’s trust and caused widespread unease for more than two weeks.

He said that despite assurances in the media by authorities about a thorough investigation, there was little clarity on its progress. “Not much is known about its follow up – who are the people behind it, for how long has it been going on, have any arrests been made? All this needs to be put in public domain, to address people’s concern and anxiety with regard to this matter,” he said.

Mirwaiz stressed that once the facts were made public, a foolproof mechanism must be introduced to prevent such incidents from recurring. “There should be no leniency whatsoever with those involved in this heinous act that puts people’s health and lives at grave risk,” he emphasised.

Calling for Kashmir to have its own regulated slaughterhouses, he said proper hygiene, Islamic guidelines and food safety measures must be strictly followed. “Both the government and the business community must gear up to establish these facilities, as the people cannot blindly trust what comes from outside without scrutiny,” Mirwaiz said.

He added that the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU), in its meeting yesterday, had constituted a seven-member committee comprising jurists from all schools of thought to deliberate on the issue. He noted that the MMU already has a Halal Certification Board, which would now be expanded and strengthened to ensure compliance with Islamic standards.

“MMU is fully willing to cooperate with the government in this matter to preserve the Islamic character of halal food and to safeguard the health and trust of our people,” Mirwaiz reiterated.

Earlier this week, following the confiscation of nearly 13,000 kg of meat and related products during enforcement drives, Jammu and Kashmir authorities directed food business operators to ensure compliance, warning that violators would face strict legal action.

Most of the seizures were carried out in the Valley, where officials discovered large quantities of rotten mutton, chicken and other meat items without proper labelling, sourcing details or packaging. The revelations have sparked alarm among residents and disrupted business for many local eateries and restaurants.