Seizure of 1,200 kg of rotten meat in Srinagar: Public outrage, questions grow amid official silence

Ziraat Times Team Report

Srinagar: In a shocking development that has triggered widespread public concern and outrage, the Food Safety Department seized 1,200 kilograms of rotten, stinking meat from a godown in Srinagar on Thursday. The consignment was allegedly intended for sale in the local markets, with strong suspicions that it was meant for supply to eateries, hotels and restaurants across the Kashmir Valley, even as there are no official confirmations about it so far.

A prominent civil society figure told Ziraat Times that despite the gravity of the seizure, the Food Safety Department has not made any public disclosure about the identities of those involved, the location of the seizure, or whether an FIR has been filed. The silence from the authorities has only added to the growing suspicion and anger among citizens, with many questioning how long this alleged nexus between meat suppliers and food establishments may have been operating undetected.

While officials have confirmed that the meat was unfit for consumption, they have not clarified what type of meat it was (mutton, beef, or poultry) and whether it originated from within Jammu & Kashmir or was imported, citizens are also questioning  which establishments were the intended recipients.

Social media platforms have erupted with furious reactions from concerned citizens. Many have demanded immediate action, transparency, and accountability.

“This should be investigated at all levels. This is a matter of grave concern — a health disaster in the making,” wrote Rouf Sadiq Tantray on Facebook. “God knows how long this nexus has been feeding us poison. No wonder GI tract cancers are on the rise in Kashmir. Anyone named in this scandal must be punished severely, and their businesses should be sealed permanently.”

Another voice, Jehangir Sofia, termed it a “health nightmare”, writing:
“Let us be honest. It is our own people doing this. They buy this filth, sell it to fellow Kashmiris, and we, unknowingly, feed it to our families. This is betrayal in its worst form.”

The absence of formal communication from the Food Safety Department or police has raised further questions. Calls are now growing for:

• A transparent investigation,

• Immediate suspension and arrest of the involved parties,

• Inspection of meat supplies and cold storage units across the Valley, and

• Disclosure of test results related to the seized meat.

Several civil society groups and consumer rights advocates have called on the Divisional Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar to personally intervene. Public health experts are also urging the Health Department to audit meat supply chains and eateries for compliance with safety standards.

Meanwhile, the public is left grappling with fear and anger, especially given the rising concerns over gastrointestinal cancers and food-borne illnesses in Kashmir.

“If our children have been eating this for months or years, how can we stay silent?” asked a worried parent outside a Srinagar grocery store. “This is not just rotten meat — this is a rotten system.”

Until authorities come forward with facts and actions, the incident remains not just a health concern — but a test of the government’s will to protect public health and restore trust