Monday, April 6, 2026
Home Blog Page 93

Adulterated, rotten meat pose grave health risks in Kashmir, experts warn

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: In the wake of large quantities of adulterated and rotten meat being seized from different parts of Kashmir in recent days, health experts have issued strong warnings about the serious risks such food poses to public health.

Speaking to KNO, they said improper handling, unhygienic storage, and the use of harmful chemicals to mask spoilage could be silently fueling a health crisis in the valley.

Dr Mohammad Salim Khan, Head of the Department of Community Medicine at GMC Srinagar said that improper handling of meat and poultry can have devastating consequences.

“Unsanitary practices during slaughtering, dressing, packaging, transportation, storage, and distribution can contaminate meat with harmful bacteria, leading to foodborne illnesses such as food poisoning, diarrhoea, dysentery, and typhoid fever,” he said.

He added, “Meat, especially poultry, spoils quickly when exposed to environmental conditions without proper handling and storage. Unfortunately, in many cases, meat is transported in unhygienic thermocol boxes or kept in the open, rather than in refrigerated vehicles and deep freezers.”

Dr Khan stressed that the safe disposal of spoiled meat is equally important. “Improperly discarded meat can contaminate water bodies and the environment. It must be destroyed scientifically, either through incineration or deep burial with disinfectants,” he said.

Adding to the alarm, Dr Owvass H. Dar, a consultant radiologist at GMC Anantnag, said the link between unsafe food and chronic diseases, including cancer, cannot be ignored.

“The incidence of cancer in Kashmir has reached alarming levels—there is hardly a village, locality, or mohalla left untouched. In the Radiology Department, we diagnose at least one or two new cancer patients every day on ultrasound or CT scans,” he said.

While lifestyle changes and environmental factors play a role, the consumption of rotten meat treated with carcinogenic chemicals to disguise spoilage is a preventable risk, Dr Owais said. “This is not just about food hygiene—it could be silently contributing to the cancer epidemic in our valley,” he said.

Dr Dar called for urgent, large-scale research into the causes of the cancer surge in Kashmir, backed by strong logistics and government support.

“Each of us can protect our families by avoiding unsafe, pre-processed foods and choosing fresh, hygienic options. Food safety is not simply about avoiding a bad meal—it’s about saving lives and preventing a public health disaster,” he added.

Authorities have stepped up inspections, seizing thousands of kilograms of unsafe meat and other food items. However, experts say enforcement must be coupled with public awareness campaigns to ensure that the valley’s residents understand the dangers of consuming adulterated and unhygienic food. (KNO)

‘Freight operations commence in Kashmir’

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: To strengthen freight operations through railway connectivity in south Kashmir, the first-ever logistics goods train from Rupnagar, Punjab, arrived at Anantnag railway station on Saturday, carrying a consignment of cement, officials said.

An official informed KNO that Northern Railway, under its Jammu Division, has officially commenced freight operations at the station, allowing both inward and outward movement of goods.

He said the inaugural freight train was loaded with 21 BCN wagons of cement.

“The journey, spanning approximately 600 kilometres, ended at the newly commissioned Anantnag Goods Shed on Saturday. The cement transported on this train will be used for crucial projects, including the construction of roads, bridges, public infrastructure, and residential housing in the Kashmir Valley,” the official said.

This development is part of the Baramulla–Srinagar–Banihal railway corridor, which falls under the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw posted a video of the freight train on X, saying that the launch of freight operations to the Valley will significantly reduce transportation costs, providing economic relief to citizens and businesses in the region.

“First freight train to the Kashmir Valley: – Today (9.8.2025), the first freight train reached the newly commissioned Anantnag Goods Shed in the Kashmir Valley from Punjab, marking a significant milestone in connecting the Kashmir region to the national freight network. – Transportation by the railway network will reduce the cost for our citizens living in the Kashmir Valley,” Vaishnaw posted on X.

Ghulam Ahmad, an apple grower from Shopian said that the freight service will be a “game changer” for fruit growers. “Every year, we struggle to send our apples outside during peak season, especially when roads are blocked. With rail cargo now available in Anantnag, we can deliver fresh produce faster and at lower cost,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually flag off the Vande Bharat Express train service between Amritsar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra on August 10.

‘Great day for commerce and connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir! It will enhance both progress and prosperity,” the Prime Minister posted on X.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu Division, Uchit Singhal, said this will be the fifth Vande Bharat train connected to Jammu and Kashmir.

He said currently, two Vande Bharat trains are already running to Delhi, and two more were flagged off by the Prime Minister himself in June, connecting Srinagar to Katra.

This new train will further connect Jammu and Kashmir with other states, running from Amritsar to Katra, he said. (KNO)

Operation Sindoor:  Pakistan lost 5 jets, one military aircraft, says IAF Chief

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

New Delhi: Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh on Saturday said that ‘Operation Sindoor’ resulted in the confirmed destruction of five Pakistani fighter jets and one large military aircraft, marking a major aerial engagement for India.

Speaking at the 16th Air Chief Marshal LM Katre Memorial Lecture in Bengaluru, the Air Chief Marshal, according to KNO said, “After the Pahalgam attack India launched Operation Sindoor, delivering strategic blows to Pakistani radars, command centres, and airbases across multiple locations. The coordinated strikes targeted critical military infrastructure, significantly disrupting Pakistan’s ability to coordinate and respond.”

He said, “This operation was a direct response aimed at weakening terrorist networks and their support systems.”

Singh said that during the Balakot operation, the absence of visible proof had made it difficult to convince even Indian citizens of the impact. “There was intelligence suggesting significant damage and high terrorist casualties at the time, but without physical evidence, the narrative remained uncertain,” the IAF Chief said.

“In Balakot, we could not get anything from inside, and it became a big issue trying to tell our own people what we had achieved,” he said. “This time, we were able to take care of that ghost of Balakot and tell the world what we achieved.”

According to Singh, Operation Sindoor resulted in the confirmed destruction of at least five Pakistani fighter jets and one large aircraft. He said the larger aircraft, destroyed from a distance of about 300 kilometres, was likely an ELINT or Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft. He described it as the longest-range surface-to-air engagement on record.

The IAF Chief also gave details about other military targets that were hit. These included two command and control centres located in Murid and Chaklala, six radars of varying sizes, and two surface-to-air guided weapon systems stationed in Lahore and Okara. In addition, he said three hangars were struck — the Sukkur UAV hangar, the Bholari hangar, and the Jacobabad F-16 hangar.

Singh said intelligence suggested that several F-16 fighter jets undergoing maintenance and at least one AEW&C aircraft were present in the Jacobabad hangar at the time of the strikes.

According to the Air Chief Marshal, the S-400 air defence system, which India had recently procured, proved to be a game changer. “The range of that system kept Pakistan’s aircraft and UAVs away from the Indian defence system. Because of the S-400 system, Pakistan were not able to penetrate the Indian air defence system,” he said.

Singh also said the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has made a difference in military operations.

“The CDS was always there to get us together and iron things out. Whenever we required it, we used to go to the senior leadership and discuss things,” he added.

The Air Chief Marshal highlighted National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s role in Operation Sindoor, helping bring other agencies and forces together. When the operation began, military chiefs discussed in detail the eventualities, possible outcomes and how India should react, he underlined.

On the takeaways from Operation Sindoor, Singh said, “The biggest takeaway of the operation has been the primacy of air warfare has come to the forefront once again. People have realised that air warfare is the first responder that any country has and air warfare is one which can actually react in a quick time, attack deep inside with precision and just achieve your objective without any collateral.”

Pertinently, ‘Operation Sindoor’ was launched on May 7 following the April 22 in Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead. In response, Indian armed forces carried out strikes deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir destroying nine terror camps.

Pakistan retaliated by launching drone attacks and resorting to heavy shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir which led to skirmishes between two nations that continued till May 10.

The ceasefire was announced after the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan reached out to his Indian counterpart and requested an end to the hostilities. (KNO)

SSP Anantnag held security review meeting ahead of Independence day

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: In view of the upcoming Independence Day 2025 celebrations, SSP Anantnag, Amritpal Singh, IPS, convened a comprehensive security review meeting today at the DPO Anantnag.

The meeting was attended by senior officers of District Police Anantnag and CAPF officers. The participants reviewed the prevailing security scenario in detail and discussed measures to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of Independence Day functions across the district.

SSP Amritpal Singh stressed upon maintaining a high level of alertness, strengthening coordination among all security agencies, and ensuring effective deployment of personnel at all vital and vulnerable points.

He also directed for intensified area domination, surprise checks, and robust intelligence gathering to preempt any untoward incident.

The officers reaffirmed their commitment to work in close synergy to uphold peace, maintain law and order, and ensure safe and successful Independence Day celebrations in the district.

‘Op Akhal’: 2 soldiers killed as Kulgam encounter enters Day 9

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: Two army soldiers succumbed and two others injured as the exchange of fire between terrorists and security forces continued throughout last night, as the gunfight entered its ninth day in the Akhal forest area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

Official sources told GNS that four army soldiers were injured in an intense exchange of fire between terrorists and security forces late last night. However, two among the four injured armymen succumbed.

The deceased soldiers have been identified as constable Harminder Singh and Lance Naik Preetpal Singh both from 19 RR.

Meanwhile, Taking on to micro-blogging platform X, the army’s Chinar Corps while paying tribute to the deceased soldiers wrote, “Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts, L/Nk Pritpal Singh and Sep Harminder Singh, in line of duty for the Nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. Indian Army expresses deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families,”.

Notably, this operation is the longest ongoing operation in Valley, entering its ninth day. On the first night of the gunfight, one terrorist was killed and four army soldiers were injured.

Offcials said that since this is a vast, dense forest area, the operation may be prolonged. (GNS)

Tip-offs spark major raids in Kashmir’s rotten meat crackdown

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: As the administration intensifies its crackdown on the circulation of rotten meat in Kashmir, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said the operation was triggered by continuous tip-offs over time, enabling the department to piece together the supply chain.

The department said it is holding the names of all involved to avoid alerting the network, with Commissioner Smiti Sethi revealing that each raid leads to the next link in the chain.

Speaking to KNO, Sethi said that upon taking charge, she began receiving scattered reports. “We traced the reports one by one and launched targeted raids,” she said.

The Commissioner said the raids, which began at a single location, have now expanded to multiple districts, including Ganderbal, Pulwama, Anantnag and Pampore and more.

“Each raid is taking us further up the chain. This is not an isolated incident but a continuing supply pattern we are uncovering,” she added.

On the delay in revealing names of those involved, Sethi clarified it is a “deliberate strategic move”. “We are not hiding anything, but revealing names prematurely could alert others in the network. We want to catch them all,” she said.

She added that proper records are being maintained, and once the full network is exposed, names and actions taken under the FSSAI Act will be made public. “This is about ensuring accountability without giving anyone a chance to escape,” the Commissioner said.

The crackdown has also reached Jammu, where around 800 kg of meat and chicken were destroyed in a single raid on Thursday, she said.

The FDA has already seized and destroyed over 3,500 kilograms of decomposed and unlabelled meat, indicating the presence of a deeper, organised network.

Earlier, officials said the meat was being stored and transported without proper cold-chain logistics or labelling, which poses a serious threat to public health. (KNO)

‘Betrayal of public trust’: Mirwaiz on Kashmir’s rotten meat scandal, seeks strict action

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: Kashmir’s chief religious leader, Mirwaiz Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq on Friday expressed deep concern over the seizure of over 3,500 kilograms of rotten and unlabelled meat across Kashmir, calling it a serious betrayal of public trust. He demanded accountability and food safety reforms.

Delivering his sermon at Srinagar’s historic Jama Masjid, Mirwaiz, as reported by KNO, questioned how such large-scale malpractice went unchecked and criticised the administration’s failure to act sooner.

“This is not just a legal violation; it is a moral and religious breach,” he said.

He urged the government to ensure proper labelling, cold storage details and halal certification for all packed meat sold in markets, while demanding that those responsible be strictly punished under the law.

Mirwaiz raised concerns over the nature of the seized meat, saying doubts were being raised about whether it was even permissible for consumption under Islamic law.

Calling the incident a “reflection of deeper ethical decay”, he urged society to introspect, while appreciating citizens who helped expose the scandal.

Earlier, on Thursday, officials said that during the past few days, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) seized and destroyed over 35 quintals (3,500 kg) of decomposed and unlabelled meat across Kashmir. The seized consignments, as per officials, were either being transported or stored without proper labelling or cold-chain logistics.

“The meat was in a decomposed condition, packed without any identification or temperature control. In many cases, we could not even open the packages due to the foul smell,” Smita Sethi, Commissioner, FDA Kashmir, had said. (KNO)

Rotten meat seizure sparks public outcry in Kashmir

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: The recovery of thousands of kilograms of adulterated and rotten meat in the past few days has triggered alarm across Kashmir, with residents urging authorities to launch a sustained crackdown on restaurants, dhabas, and other food outlets to ensure public safety.

Locals, speaking to KNO said the issue is not new, but the scale of recent seizures highlights the gravity of the problem. They fear that a large amount of such meat and food products might have already made their way into kitchens and eateries.

“We read about huge quantities of rotten or chemically treated meat being seized, but what about the stock that goes unchecked? That’s what is frightening,” said Nazir Ahmad, a resident of Srinagar’s downtown area. “Our health is at stake, and we expect the Food Safety Department to take daily action, not just occasional raids.”

Over the past week, enforcement teams have recovered several consignments of stale and adulterated meat, some stored in unhygienic conditions or treated with harmful substances to improve appearance and delay spoilage.

“The recovery of such huge quantities in just a few days means the network is vast,” said Shabir Hussain, a shopkeeper in Pulwama. “It is not enough to seize and destroy the meat. The people behind this must face strict legal action so that others think twice before indulging in such practices.”

Hoteliers across Kashmir said their sales have gone down due to the recent incidents.  They cautioned against unfair targeting. “If someone is doing anything wrong, people look with doubtful eyes towards everyone. Proper monitoring is necessary, but those who are following all protocols shouldn’t be made scapegoats,” one hotelier said.

Health experts warn that consumption of adulterated meat can lead to a host of serious illnesses.

Dr. Sameer Ahmad Dar, a public health specialist, speaking to KNO, said contaminated or chemically treated meat can cause severe food poisoning, diarrhoea, vomiting, and fever in the short term. In the long run, it increases the risk of liver damage, kidney problems, typhoid, parasitic infections, and in some cases even cancer, he said.

“The immune-compromised, elderly, and children are especially vulnerable,” Dr Dar added.

Residents allege that many restaurants, roadside dhabas, and barbecue stalls buy cheaper meat of dubious quality to maximise profits. “Some outlets serve meat that is days old and kept in poor storage conditions. The taste is different, but not everyone notices until they fall ill,” said Irshad Ahmad, who eats outside frequently.

Public health activists said there is an urgent need for consistent and transparent food safety inspections. “Authorities should not only check slaughterhouses but also randomly inspect restaurants, dhabas, marriage halls, and street vendors,” said advocate Bilal Lone. “The results of these inspections should be made public so people know which outlets maintain hygiene and which don’t.”

A senior Food Safety official said intensified drives are underway. “We are carrying out raids in multiple districts. Any adulterated or unhygienic meat is being seized and destroyed on the spot. We are also prosecuting the offenders under food safety laws,” the official said. (KNO)

J&K govt refuses to disclose cabinet panel report on reservation

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has refused to disclose the cabinet sub-committee report on the rationalisation of existing reservation policy in the Union Territory, citing provisions under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

In its reply to an RTI application filed by Taffazul Bilal, as per KNO, the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has disclosed that the information sought is under examination and cannot be disclosed.

It has invoked Section 8(1)(i) of RTI Act to prohibit disclosure of the information. The provision exempts disclosure of cabinet papers, including records of deliberations by the Council of Ministers, secretaries, and other officials.

It further reasoned that the report qualifies as third-party information under section 11 of the RTI Act, the provision which makes it mandatory for the Public Information Officer (PIO) to consult that third party before disclosure. The third party can object, and their views must be considered before a final decision is made.

The PIO of Law department has also stated that disclosure of such information may undermine public interest.

“It is also informed that the disclosure of such preliminary or unfinished information may lead to confusion, misinterpretation and misinformation, thereby undermining larger public information,” the PIO said.

The department has also refused to disclose information about whether legal vetting and if pending, tentative timeline for its completion.

The PIO has again invoked Section 8(1)(i) of the RTI Act to decline information about legal vetting of the panel report.

In December last year, the J&K government formed a three-member cabinet sub- committee headed by Minister Sakina Ittoo for rationalisation of existing reservation policy.

The CSC finalised its report on June 10 this year. Later, the cabinet referred the report to the Law department for legal vetting. (KNO)

India engages world community on terrorism after Pahalgam attack, secures support: EAM

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: The Government of India on Friday said that it had deployed seven all-party parliamentary delegations to 33 countries as part of diplomatic efforts under “Operation Sindoor”, aimed at conveying India’s united stance and resolute approach against terrorism after the Pahalgam attack.

The question on diplomatic engagement during Operation Sindoor was raised by Vijay Baghel and Damodar Agrawal in the Lok Sabha, and it was answered by the Minister of External Affairs, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar

These delegations, he said, comprising Members of Parliament from various political parties along with veteran diplomats, engaged with key political, legislative, media, think-tank representatives and the Indian diaspora.

Their objective was to raise awareness about the Pahalgam terror attack, highlight Pakistan’s role in sponsoring terrorism, counter misinformation on Jammu and Kashmir, and build international support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts.

The delegations were warmly received and held substantive discussions in countries across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Through these engagements, India successfully communicated the gravity of cross-border terrorism and Pakistan’s complicity. The international community unequivocally condemned the use of terrorism, recognizing India’s right to defend itself, he said.

Notably, the terrorist group ‘The Resistance Front’ (TRF), responsible for the Pahalgam attack, was mentioned in the latest United Nations Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee report released on July 29, 2025, and was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation by the United States on July 18, 2025.

The delegations were composed with attention to political and regional diversity to reflect India’s federal spirit, ensuring balanced representation from various states and union territories. The trips were conducted between late May and early June 2025, covering countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, France, Italy, Japan, UAE, USA, Russia, South Africa, and many others.

The delegations secured assurances of support on counter-terrorism and received widespread condemnation of Pakistan for harboring terrorist groups. This diplomatic outreach has enhanced the international community’s appreciation of India’s position on terrorism and increased cooperation on counter-terrorism matters.

The Government of India continues to engage actively with partner countries and international organizations to strengthen global cooperation against terrorism. Further diplomatic dialogues and follow-up contacts under Operation Sindoor are planned to sustain momentum in addressing security challenges. (KNO)

1...929394...139Page 93 of 139

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© kashmir Leader Magazine . Powered By FmSoft