Srinagarites demand fixing of rates for slaughtering of sacrificial animals

Srinagar, June 7: In the run up to Eid-ul-Adha, people in the summer capital have urged upon authorities to fix rates for slaughtering of sacrificial animals.

They said that in absence of regulation, butchers charge hefty amount for slaughtering animals. “As no rate list has been notified, we are being charged hefty amount every year. It is ironic that authorities are giving free hand to butchers during festivals,” said Zahid Ahmad, a local from Downtown.

The locals from various Srinagar areas said that every Eid, there is a race to find a butcher to slaughter the sacrificial animals. “As there is a high demand an undue advantage is taken by these butchers. They charge Rs 1500-2000 for a sheep, and when it comes to animals like cows, camels, or buffalo, the rates are multiple times higher. These rates are hiked every year, and butchers charge as per their wish,” said another local.

Locals said that given the lucrative profit on the three days of Eid, many non-professionals join the process of sacrificing animals. “When there are lakhs of rupees in profit per day, everyone tries to have their share? It is okay that people are earning, but at least regulation should be in place,” said Adil Ahmad, a local from Hazratbal.

Deputy Commissioner Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat said that he would look into the issue. “The rate list or other regulations have not been put into place for such a thing so far. I will still look into it and see what can be done,” Bhat said.