Govt tightens noose on mutton shops

Srinagar, Jan 5: Amid the ongoing drive against the mutton shopkeepers for selling meat at the exorbitant rates, the government on Thursday said that all those involved in norm violations will have to face the law. The authorities also said that the main culprits of wholesalers and action against them will be initiated from tomorrow.
Director Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) department, Abdul Salam Mir, said that the drive against the mutton shopkeepers is not confined to Srinagar district only, but has been extended to other districts also.
He added that the drive against the norm violations will not stop until and unless the government fixed rates are strictly adhered to. “The main culprits behind the exorbitant rates of mutton are wholesalers, who are running the business affairs without the license. Thus, we will start the drive against them from tomorrow,” he said.
He also said that the mutton shopkeepers have been found selling meat after their shops have been sealed and added that the matter will be looked into. “Anyone, who is repeated offender, will have t face the cancellation of license as well,” he said.
“The drive is presently going on and in the next couple of days; the decision to come up with a solution to make mutton available for the people as well,” he added.
Pertinently, in the last over one week, the authorities have sealed 64 mutton shops across the district.
Assistant Director Enforcement, Mushtaq Ahmad Wani in a statement said that in view of complaints pouring in from various corners regarding overcharging by mutton sellers, a special drive was launched in various areas of Srinagar City by the Enforcement squad of this department under his supervision.
“During the course of action as many as 64 mutton shops have been sealed from last one week vis-à-vis a fine of Rs 27,000 have also been imposed on 17 erring traders,” the statement said.
“During the month of January-2023 in the entire valley, an amount of Rs 55200.00 (Fifty five thousand and two hundred) has been collected as fine from 197 erring traders for violating E.C.Act. Besides, 41 establishments also stand sealed,” Wani said.
Moreover, the erring lot has been reprimanded to remain careful in future. The drive will continue in the same passion in future as well & whosoever found violating the norms will be brought to justice. In case of any complaint, people may contact on toll free number 18001807011, the statement added. (KNO)