Expressing concern over the rotten meat scandal that has triggered public anxiety in Kashmir, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq on Friday said the matter should be fully investigated and findings made public.
Addressing the Friday congregation at Jama Masjid Srinagar, Mirwaiz according to news agency KINS said that despite official assurances of a thorough probe, there has been little clarity on who is behind the racket, how long it has been going on, and whether any arrests have been made.
“All this needs to be put in the public domain to address people’s concerns and restore their trust,” he said.
Mirwaiz stressed that those involved in the act, which he termed a “heinous crime endangering people’s health and lives,” must face strict punishment without any leniency.
He further called the need for Kashmir to have its own regulated slaughterhouses, adhering to hygiene, Islamic guidelines, and food safety standards.
“People cannot blindly trust what comes from outside without scrutiny. Government and business community must gear up to establish these facilities,” he stated.
Mirwaiz said that the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU), in its meeting held yesterday, has formed a seven-member committee of jurists from different schools of thought to deliberate on the issue. He said MMU’s existing Halal Certification Board will also be expanded and strengthened to ensure compliance with Islamic standards.
“MMU is fully willing to cooperate with the government to preserve the Islamic character of halal food and to safeguard the health and trust of our people,” he added. (KINS)
