Regulating authority should be ensured

Yet again, the people across the Valley, especially in Srinagar have been left to face tremendous hardships as the rates of the mutton have not been as per the expectations of the common masses as there has been an abrupt hike from time to time in the mutton rates in absence of the regulating authority to check the rates and ensure that the fixed rates are adhered to. Since the government has asked the Food and Supplies department to stay away from regulating the mutton rates in Jammu & Kashmir a few years back, the mutton dealers and butchers have failed to regulate the rates for the wellbeing of the common masses. There is no fixed rate for the mutton in the markets. Kashmir, which is known for consuming mutton, especially on the eve of festivals like Eid, has witnessed fluctuated rates of the mutton from one area to the other. It is quite unfortunate that the people are being pushed to the wall by taking no concrete steps in this regard. The mutton has become the first and only product, which is not being regulated by any of the departments. Ahead of the Eid, people feel depressed and alienated in this particular situation, thereby putting the responsibility on the shoulders of the government to revisit its decision and ensure that the people are not pushed to the wall, by getting mutton at the exorbitant rates. The people need to heave some sigh of relief by having a proper regulating authority in this regard so that the dictatorship of the mutton dealers will come to an immediate end for the wellbeing of the people, especially those who belong to the downtrodden section of the society.