Srinagar, Nov 15 (KNS): Social activist and columnist Ahmad Ayaz on Sunday raised serious concerns over repeated reports of rotten and unhygienic meat being supplied in Kashmir, questioning the effectiveness of administrative monitoring and calling for accountability across the entire food supply chain.

Referring to the recent detection of an allegedly rotten meat consignment at Budgam Railway Station, Ayaz said the recurrence of such incidents despite previous seizures and official assurances raised questions about the effectiveness of existing enforcement mechanisms.

In a statement issued to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), Ayaz said the issue went beyond food safety violations and involved serious questions of business ethics, honesty and public health.

“Knowingly supplying or selling rotten meat for commercial gain is not simply an irregularity in business; it is a serious breach of public trust and an unacceptable compromise with the health and safety of unsuspecting consumers,” he said.

Ayaz questioned whether the authorities had identified the suppliers and distribution networks involved in previous cases and whether those responsible had faced prosecution.

He said occasional inspections and seizures would serve little purpose unless the administration addressed the failures allowing unsafe food products to enter markets repeatedly.

“The administration must establish how such material enters the market, identify the suppliers and distribution networks involved, examine possible regulatory failures and determine what action was taken in previous cases,” he said.

Calling for stricter monitoring from procurement and slaughter to transportation, storage and retail distribution, Ayaz urged food safety authorities, veterinary departments and other concerned agencies to conduct regular inspections, surprise checks and ensure effective prosecution of offenders.

He also questioned the role of religious scholars in promoting honesty and ethical conduct in business, saying their responsibility should extend beyond condemning such incidents after they occur.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“The question is not simply whether our religious scholars condemn the sale of rotten meat after an incident comes to light. The more important question is how consistently they have been using their influence, religious platforms, sermons and community engagement to inculcate honesty and ethical business practices among people,” Ayaz said.

He said religious teachings emphasised honesty, transparency and fair dealing, and these principles needed to be reflected in everyday commercial activities.

Ayaz also stressed that the concept of halal should not be restricted to the method of slaughter, arguing that cleanliness, proper storage and safe handling of meat were equally important.

He said meat that had become rotten or unsafe could not be justified merely on the basis of its original source or method of slaughter.

Calling upon traders and their associations to take a firm stand against unethical practices, Ayaz said the actions of a few individuals should not damage the reputation of the entire business community.

He urged the administration to make public the findings of investigations into previous cases, including details of prosecutions and corrective measures taken to prevent similar incidents.

Ayaz also cautioned against selective enforcement, saying action must be impartial and should cover major suppliers and distribution networks rather than focusing only on small vendors.

“A society cannot claim to be guided by strong moral and religious values while remaining indifferent to dishonesty, deception and practices that endanger human lives. Nor can an administration claim effective governance merely by announcing seizures and registering cases after such incidents occur. The real test is whether we can prevent their recurrence,” he said.

He called for sustained efforts by the administration, religious scholars, traders and civil society to protect public health and restore consumer confidence, stressing that accountability and prevention must take precedence over temporary outrage and repeated assurances. (KNS)