Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Demands Action Over ‘Haram’ Meat Sales in Kashmir
By: Javid Amin | Srinagar | 08 Aug 2025
A Nation Shocked by Spoiled Meat
Over the past few days, Kashmir has been rocked by a scandal of rotten, unlabelled, and potentially unlawful meat. In a series of raids, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and allied agencies seized over 3,500 kg—a staggering figure that lays bare systemic failings in food safety and regulation across the region.
At the heart of the public and religious outcry is Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Kashmir’s chief cleric and head of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), who has called this adulterated meat trade a form of zulm—a moral and religious betrayal. His demand: swift and firm action to restore faith in what the public eats.
The Scandal Unfolds: From Refrigerators to Rivers
A. Major Seizures Across Kashmir
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On July 31, authorities uncovered 1,200 kg of decomposed meat in a cold storage unit in Zakura, Srinagar—poorly stored, pre-packed, and ready to enter the local food market.
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Just days later, another 350 kg was seized near Pulwama from a poorly documented transport vehicle.
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Reports also surfaced of 250 kg seized in Ganderbal, and shocking visuals showing meat being discarded into the River Jhelum to evade detection.
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Collectively, JD-FDA officials estimate over 3,500 kg of rotten, unlabelled meat were seized in these combined operations.
B. Public Panic and Distrust
The revelations triggered immediate alarm. Rumours—now grounded in fact—that non-halal or unsanitary meat might be entering kitchens across Kashmir spread rapidly. Restaurant visits plunged, with some owners reporting drops of 60–80% in customer numbers.
C. The Scale of Food Fraud
This wasn’t an isolated incident. In a broader crackdown, officials seized over 51,000 kg of adulterated food across Jammu & Kashmir—including counterfeit rasgullas, fake cheese, and more—underscoring the depth of the crisis.
Moral Outrage & Religious Counsel
A. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s Call to Conscience
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and the MMU describe the scandal not just as a legal violation, but as moral turpitude—zulm, a betrayal of divine command, societal trust, and legal duty.
The MMU, under his leadership, reiterated the importance of Halal Certification, demanding that only certified meat be allowed in the market. They emphasized that clear labeling, traceability, and verified cold-chain storage are fundamental for compliance and public trust.
B. A Fatwa Against Unsafe Meat
The Grand Mufti of J&K, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, issued a fatwa prohibiting the sale or consumption of the suspected haram or harmful meat—a religious seal of disapproval heightening the urgency of regulatory reform.
Government Response: From Crisis to Compliance
A. Tough Talk: High-Level Meetings & Inspections
Food Minister Satish Sharma declared that the “meat mafia” won’t be spared, promising a blanket ban on illegal packed food items and invoking law enforcement, including J&K Police, to act with an iron fist.
He spearheaded comprehensive inspections—covering cold storage, godowns, restaurants, fair-price shops, and street vendors—to ensure compliance across food systems.
B. Tougher Regulations Ahead
FDA Commissioner Smita Sethi announced new regulations requiring mandatory labeling, hygiene controls, and source disclosure for all dressed mutton and chicken entering J&K. Notably, she clarified that this is not a ban, but a enforcement push for legal compliance.
C. Industry Pressure Grows
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) condemned the scandal and demanded a transparent, time-bound investigation, including robust inspection at entry points like Lakhanpur. Accountability must span from suppliers to local authorities, they urged.
Deeper Ripples: Health, Society & Integrity
A. A Public Health Emergency
Public health experts warn of rising risks—from foodborne diseases to antibiotic-resistant infections—linked to contaminated meat and unhygienic street food practices.
B. A Crisis of Trust
For Muslims in Kashmir, adherence to dietary laws is essential. The thought of haram or spoiled meat entering homes is a profound breach—one that shakes both religious faith and civic confidence. Rebuilding that trust demands more than inspections—it needs visible integrity and cultural sensitivity.
C. A Call to Societal Reflection
Mirwaiz framed this scandal as a societal mirror—reflecting the moral corrosion wrought by greed and profiteering. The call is clear: legal action must be coupled with collective reflection and reform.
What Must Be Done: A Multi-Pronged Roadmap
Short-Term Actions:
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Unannounced, region-wide food inspections
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Suspension and public naming of violators
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Emergency consumer hotlines and complaint mechanisms
Medium-Term Reforms:
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Mandatory Halal Certification linked to supply-chain traceability
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Vendor training on hygiene, labeling, and ethical practices
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Mobile food testing vans for remote and rural monitoring
Long-Term Vision:
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Strengthen J&K’s Food Safety Authority with staffing, labs, outreach
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Integrate cold-chain verification into Smart City and infrastructure plans
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Launch broad-based public awareness campaigns via schools, media, and religious institutions
Bottom-Line: Beyond Rotten Meat, Restoring Trust
This rotten-meat scandal is more than a health hazard—it’s a clash of ethics, governance, and belief. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s demands echo the outrage of Kashmiris who expect safety, honesty, and respect for religious boundaries.
Unless governance is reformed, enforcement strengthened, and public awareness elevated, every roadside kebab, every restaurant meal will carry a question—”Can I trust what I’m eating?” Right now, that trust lies wounded.
But with sustained leadership, ethical business, and civic vigilance, Kashmir can reclaim the wholesome, lawful food culture it deserves.
