Srinagar, Nov 15: Ahmad Ayaz, renowned social activist, columnist and national television panelist, has expressed serious concern over the repeated reports of rotten, unhygienic and potentially harmful meat being supplied and sold in different parts of Kashmir.
Referring to the recent detection of an allegedly rotten meat consignment at Budgam Railway Station, he said that the recurrence of such incidents, despite previous seizures and public assurances, raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the administration’s monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
Ayaz observed that the issue must not be viewed merely as another case of food safety violation or unfair trade practice. It is fundamentally a question of honesty, business ethics, moral responsibility and the value we attach to human life. Knowingly supplying or selling rotten meat for commercial gain is not simply an irregularity in business; it is a serious breach of public trust and an unacceptable compromise with the health and safety of unsuspecting consumers.
He said that the repeated emergence of such incidents demands more than temporary outrage, occasional inspections and the seizure of consignments. The administration must establish how such material enters the market, identify the suppliers and distribution networks involved, examine possible regulatory failures and determine what action was taken in previous cases. If similar incidents continue to occur, the effectiveness of the existing enforcement system itself requires an impartial review.
He stressed that the responsibility of the administration extends across the entire supply chain, from procurement and slaughter to transportation, storage and retail distribution. Food safety authorities, veterinary departments and other concerned agencies must ensure regular inspections, proper certification, surprise checks and effective prosecution of those found responsible. Accountability must extend to every level, irrespective of the0oi commercial influence or position of the persons involved.
Ayaz also raised an important question about the role and social responsibility of religious scholars and leaders. He said that their responsibility should not be confined to issuing statements or demanding strict action whenever such incidents surface. In a society where religious scholars command considerable influence and public respect, they have an equally important responsibility to inculcate honesty, integrity and ethical conduct in everyday life, particularly in business and commercial dealings.
He observed that religious teachings place considerable emphasis on honesty in trade, transparency, fair dealing and the prohibition of deception. These principles must not remain confined to religious discourses or theoretical interpretations but should find practical expression in the conduct of traders and the wider community.
“The question is not simply whether our religious scholars condemn the sale of rotten meat after an incident comes to light. The more important question is how consistently they have been using their influence, religious platforms, sermons and community engagement to inculcate honesty and ethical business practices among people. Religious leadership carries a responsibility beyond ritual observances and religious pronouncements. It must also contribute to building a morally conscious and socially responsible society,” Ayaz observed.
He added that the concept of halal cannot be understood narrowly in terms of the manner of slaughter alone. Cleanliness, safe handling, proper storage and the prevention of contamination are equally important considerations. Food that has become rotten or unsafe cannot be justified merely by referring to its original source or method of slaughter.
Ayaz further said that traders and their associations must introspect and take a clear stand against those who compromise public health for financial gain. The conduct of a few dishonest individuals must not bring disrepute to the entire trading community. Civil society organisations, community representatives and the media must also maintain sustained public scrutiny rather than allowing such matters to disappear once the immediate controversy subsides.
He called upon the administration to make the findings of investigations and action taken in previous cases public, so that people know whether those responsible were actually prosecuted and whether corrective measures were introduced. He also emphasised that enforcement must be evidence-based, impartial and consistent, without selective action against small vendors while larger suppliers escape scrutiny.
“A society cannot claim to be guided by strong moral and religious values while remaining indifferent to dishonesty, deception and practices that endanger human lives. Nor can an administration claim effective governance merely by announcing seizures and registering cases after such incidents occur. The real test is whether we can prevent their recurrence,” Ayaz said.
He urged the administration, religious scholars, traders, civil society and the wider community to examine their respective responsibilities seriously, stressing that the issue requires collective introspection and sustained action.
He concluded that Kashmir needs more than another round of public outrage and official assurances. It needs an accountable administration, ethical business practices, responsible religious leadership and a society that refuses to tolerate the exploitation of public trust and the compromise of human health for commercial profit.
