Srinagar, June 13 : At least 24 trucks carrying sheep have been seized for importing mutton illegally into the valley for the last three days.
An official of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department (FCSCA) said they have seized 24 trucks carrying sheep and were illegally being imported into Kashmir.
“On Thursday night between 3 am to 7 am, we seized 16 trucks laden with sheep at Zig toll post. Nine trucks were heading towards Srinagar, Budgam-3, Baramulla-2, Bandipora-1, and Anantnag 2. Further eight trucks were seized yesterday. They have also been fined for importing sheep illegally here,” Assistant Director Anantnag (FCSCA) Wali Mohammad Wani told news agency.
Wani said many have not renewed their licences. “Mutton dealers were told to renew their licences by March 31 which many did not and action is being taken against them,” he added.
Another official said as per SRO 1973 only registered license holders can fetch sheep from outside Jammu and Kashmir.
“But the unauthorized dealers import huge quantities of sheep into the valley. They also make fake receipts. These illegal dealers are giving Delhi and Rajasthan based dealers an opportunity to hike in the mutton rates,” the official said.
General Secretary Wholesale Mutton Dealers Association Mehraj-ud- Din has appreciated seizing these trucks.
“These dealers who are not holding licences are importing mutton illegally into Kashmir. They purchase mutton at higher rates and then butchers are compelled to sell meat at higher rates to customers,” he added.(KINS)
