Srinagar: Amid the ongoing row over rates of mutton, the butchers have reportedly been directed to open their shops within two days or else face punitive action.
However, the butchers have sent legal notice to the concerned authorities, questioning which law permits such punitive action against them.
Local news agency KNO quoted the president, Butchers Union, Khazir Muhammad Regoo as saying that they have been directed to open their shops within two days.
He said after receiving the government directives, they have sent a legal notice through their lawyer to the corned department, questioning the legality of any “coercive action” against them.
“We have categorically stated that we are not on strike. But, we want the government to fix reasonable rates so that we can resume our business,” Regoo said, adding that “let the government address our concerns, we will open up our shops tomorrow.”
He also said that those who are found selling meat at their homes should be dealt with strictly. “We will not oppose the government action against those who are selling the meat at exorbitant rates at their homes or elsewhere,” he said, adding that they have been facing hardships as they have not been able to run their businesses for the past four months.
General secretary, All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Association (AKWMDA), Mehraj-ud-Din said that the rates have been finalized between the mutton wholesalers and the government.
However, he said, the issue is about the retailers and butchers. “We are waiting to see any positive development in this regard,” he said.
He also demanded strict action against the people involved in black-marketing, saying that anyone found selling meat in black should be dealt with strictly and the association will appreciate the action.
Meanwhile, repeated attempts to reach out to Director, Food, Civil supplies and Consumer Affairs didn’t fructify, the news agency reported.
