Selling mutton at Rs 600 per kg unacceptable, Use helpline number if butcher overcharges, Div Com to people

Srinagar, Nov 5: After Divisional Administration Kashmir fixed the retail price of mutton at Rs 480 per kilogram, the traders associated with mutton business Thursday said that mutton rates fixed by the government are not ‘genuine’ and that it should reconsider the rates.

General public has hailed the government decision, hoping it will be implemented in letter and spirit and those who violate the government rules should be taken to task.

All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Association, All Kashmir Butchers Association, Chinar Sheep and Goat Welfare Association while addressing a press conference here in Kashmir capital Srinagar alleged that government has been deliberately pushing mutton dealers to the wall.

They said government in a meeting wherein they were also invited didn’t listen to them, a claim refuted by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Pandurang Kondbarao Pole who told News Agency Kashmir News Trust (KNT) that government at any cost will ensure that mutton dealers sell mutton at Rs 480 per kilogram.

“We have registered various FIRs against butchers who were overcharging. We have made helpline number public and I request every consumer to use that helpline number in case any butcher overcharges them,” PK Pole said.

He said that the new rates have been decided by the mutton price fixation committee. “We are here for public and nobody will be allowed to loot public. Overcharging won’t be taken easily. It is the responsibility of consumers to complain against those who overcharge, I assure them of strict action,” PK Pole told KNT.

Pertinently, the mutton dealers demand they should be allowed to charge Rs 600 per KG mutton.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir in fact provided a help line toll free number (1800-180-7114) and requested people to use it in case any butcher over charges them. (KNT)