*Issues notice, seeks compliance within 2 days
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Mar 5: As the deadlock over rates of mutton continues in Kashmir, the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) in a turn of events has warned of strict action against the mutton retailers in Kashmir, if they fail in opening up their shops within the next 2 days.
In this regard, the Department has posted notices on the shops of the mutton dealers across Kashmir asking them to desist from “illegal” ways of carrying out the business and also from creating a temporary shortage of mutton across the Kashmir Division.
“Those associated with the business of mutton in Kashmir are being informed through this notice that those resorting to illegal means to carry on with the business, and those who are creating a temporary shortage in the supply of mutton will be dealt with strictly and will be booked under relevant laws,” reads the notice that has been issued to the mutton dealers.
It adds that after the passage of two days if any shop is found closed continuously, the concerned individual will be dealt with strictly as per law.
The department said that they want to help the people and do not want to let the population suffer due to the “wrong attitude” of the mutton dealers.
“This is very simple. We don’t want people should suffer because of their (mutton dealers) wrong attitude. If their demand is genuine, they should come up with their statistics, which they are not doing,” Assistant Director Enforcement, Kashmir FCS&CA Mushtaq Ahmad Wani told Excelsior.
Notably, there is a deadlock between the Government and the mutton dealers over fixing mutton rates for the last several months now, which so far, has not witnessed an end from either side.
Earlier, the mutton dealers had put forth an estimated loss of around Rs 400 cr during last four months of deadlock between them and the Government and had also projected a daily loss of around 3 cr.
Regarding the notice that has been served to the mutton dealers, Khazir Muhammad Regoo who is the president of All Kashmir Retail Mutton Dealers Association told Excelsior that the Director FCS&CA has himself stated that those who have got no problem with the rates can open their shops.
“He has recently said this and now they cannot force us to open the shops; our advocate has sent him a notice stating the same,” he said.
Regarding the unending deadlock, he said that the Government and the concerned department must see to end the deadlock now as the commoners, as well as those associated with the trade, are facing a tough time. “We are hopeful that the LG’s administration will see to and take measures to find a way out of it,” he said.
On the other side, president, All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Association Mehraj-ud-Din Ganai when asked about the status of dialogue with the Government, said that they are hopeful that something worthwhile may come out soon.
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