Aazan Manzoor
Srinagar, Jan, (JKNS): The Jammu and Kashmir government is set to take cognizance of the motton price hike issue, officials from the government said on Wednesday that it has taken note of complaints regarding the recent hike in mutton prices across several parts of Kashmir and assured that the issue will be reviewed on priority.
Over the past week, consumers in Srinagar and other districts have complained that mutton is being sold at ₹700 to ₹750 per kilogram, against the officially fixed rate of ₹650 per kg. Locals have alleged that such price hikes recur every year ahead of Ramzan, with inadequate enforcement on the ground.
Senior officials from the office of the Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs told news agency JKNS that we will take up matter with the Director FCS&CA and enforcement wings to address the complaints.
When asked whether the government is considering the deployment of Flying Squads to curb overpricing, the official said, “The issue will be reviewed on priority. We will take up the matter with the directorate and ensure that it is resolved.”
The official further said that the government is also aware of supply-side issues flagged by mutton dealers, particularly allegations of harassment of livestock transporters in parts of Punjab. “We have sought discussions with the Punjab authorities on three occasions, but so far no response has been received from the Punjab government,” the official added.
As reported earlier by JKNS, consumers across Kashmir have accused butchers of arbitrarily increasing mutton prices ahead of Ramzan, making it unaffordable for poor and middle-class families. Residents from areas including Khanyar, Soura and Habba Kadal had said mutton was openly being sold at ₹750 per kg despite the notified rate.
Meanwhile, mutton dealers have made public official correspondence related to interstate livestock movement, claiming that unresolved issues and lack of response from authorities have affected supply. The dealers have warned that continued inaction could force them to take “harsher steps,” even as they maintain that all official channels have already been exhausted.
Consumers have urged the administration to act decisively, regulate prices and prevent exploitation ahead of Ramzan, while the government has maintained that the matter is under active consideration. (JKNS)
