Srinagar, Nov 14 (KNO): Amid repeated seizures of rotten and unfit meat consignments at Budgam Railway Station, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq on Saturday called for strict action against those involved, with Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Farooqi declaring the trade of such meat “Haraam” (prohibited) under Islamic law.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Mirwaiz said those responsible for bringing and trading such meat in Kashmir should face strict punishment. He questioned how such incidents were recurring despite previous action.
“Such lapses are happening repeatedly. The government must take concrete steps, and police should take full action against those involved and book them under relevant laws at the earliest,” Mirwaiz said.
Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam termed the trade and consumption of decomposed meat prohibited under Sharia, urging people to refrain from purchasing meat from unverified sources and buy only from licensed shops.
He appreciated the Railway Police and Food Safety Department for detecting and seizing the consignments, while questioning how such meat was being transported to Kashmir and for how long it may have been entering the market.
The Grand Mufti said the issue is not merely about food safety but also involves religious concerns, as consumers must know the source and nature of the meat they purchase.
He said meat whose animal source and slaughter status were unknown could not be considered permissible for consumption under Islamic principles, adding that people should avoid such products altogether.
Expressing concern over the repeated incidents, the Grand Mufti said restrictions should be imposed to prevent such consignments from entering Kashmir. He urged the Food Safety authorities to strengthen inspections and monitoring.
Around 1,600 kilograms of deteriorated meat was seized at Budgam Railway Station on Friday, following which an FIR was registered under Section 271 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Today, another consignment of rotten meat was seized from a parcel train at the same railway station. Both consignments were found unfit for human consumption during inspection by the concerned authorities—(KNO)