Mutton sellers flout rules, pocket extra cash during Ramadhan

Baramulla, Mar 17: Consumers across central and north Kashmir are facing a meaty dilemma as butchers openly flout the pricing and grading guidelines established by the All Kashmir Butchers Association (AKBA), charging exorbitant rates during the holy month of Ramadhan.

The AKBA recently introduced a three-tier grading system with clear pricing: Super Class at `700 per kg, A-Class at `680 per kg, and meat with offal (150 grams) at `620 per kg. However, the ground report reveals widespread non-compliance throughout Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora districts.

"Some butchers are selling meat at `740 per kg, and that too not even of Super or A-Class quality," complained Fayaz Ahmad, a Baramulla resident. "There is no one to question them, and people are left helpless, especially during Ramadhan."

The violations have sparked public outrage, with many calling for immediate intervention by district authorities. Abdul Rashid, another Baramulla resident, expressed anger over both the inflated prices and inferior quality of meat being sold.

"In all three districts of north Kashmir, meat sellers are flouting the guidelines of their own association," Rashid said. "The authorities must take action against such meat sellers."

Local consumers are demanding that the district administration enforce the AKBA guidelines and hold violators accountable, as the unchecked pricing compounds the financial strain already faced by many families dealing with rising costs of essential commodities during the holy month.