By Nazira Maqbool
BA (Hons) Economics, Cluster University Srinagar

As August 2025 began, a disturbing story spread across Kashmir: reports of rotten meat being discovered in multiple locations. Within days, the scale of the problem grew, shaking public trust and raising urgent questions about food safety. This was not expected from within our own community, which prides itself on moral and ethical values. In such moments, it is crucial for society to respond with awareness, unity, and a shared commitment to protect public health.

Religions across the world emphasise honesty, compassion, and integrity. Providing spoiled or harmful food violates these principles and puts innocent lives at risk. In Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) declared, “He who deceives is not one of us” (Sahih Muslim), highlighting that fairness in matters of health and safety is a sacred duty. Christianity condemns deceit in the Bible, Judaism regards truthfulness as a central moral law, and Hindu scriptures uphold satya  truth  as a fundamental virtue. Across faiths, the message is clear: trust sustains communities, while deceit destroys them.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The health risks of consuming spoiled meat are serious. Food poisoning, severe infections, and long-term health complications are among the dangers. This makes vigilance essential. People must buy from trusted sources, inspect products carefully, and refuse to compromise on quality. These precautions protect not only individuals but also the entire community.

Kashmir has faced this issue before. In August 2023, rotten meat was found in large quantities. Two years later, the problem has returned, this time on an even larger scale. It is not simply a public health matter; it is a moral and legal breach that erodes the dignity and safety of the community. Negligence and greed cannot be allowed to take root.

Authorities must act decisively, bringing those responsible to justice and ensuring transparency in the process. Accountability is not just about punishment  it is about restoring public trust. Community members must remain united, speak out against wrongdoing, and demand stricter food safety measures.

Protecting public health is a collective responsibility. By standing together, remaining vigilant, and upholding moral values, society can prevent such acts of betrayal from happening again. The well-being of the most vulnerable children, the elderly, and those with limited means depends on it.