Srinagar, Sep 10: The Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Owners Association (KHAROA) has expressed deep concern over what it described as the government’s “thundering silence” on the issue of allegedly unsafe mutton being supplied to the Valley.Kashmir tourism
In a statement, the Association said that certain officials of the administration had created a misleading impression that imported unsafe mutton was making its way into restaurants and eateries across Kashmir. “This narrative was floated without any investigation, probe, or establishment of a supply chain that could have shown how this so-called unsafe mutton landed in established restaurants and eateries,” KHAROA said.
The Association further accused some enforcement officials of resorting to arbitrary practices. “They were declaring meat preparations as unsafe or rotten simply by touching them, as if their hands were equipped with instant testing machines and barometers,” it said.
KHAROA noted that its office-bearers had raised these flaws with the authorities, but no corrective measures had been taken. “We had strongly demanded that the government name and shame the unscrupulous elements responsible. However, no names have been disclosed so far, creating confusion and mistrust among the public,” the statement added.
The Association warned that the failure to expose the culprits has dealt a heavy blow to Kashmir’s hospitality sector. “The uncertainty has led to a huge decline in footfall at restaurants and eateries. Businesses are suffering heavy losses, and this directly threatens employment in the sector. Members of KHAROA are under tremendous stress,” it said.
The body also questioned the selective silence of government agencies. “Is naming and shaming restricted only to JK Bank? Why are the black sheep involved in the mutton scandal being protected?” KHAROA asked, insisting that the guilty should be severely punished, while honest restaurant owners—who had become “unfortunate victims of propaganda”—must be cleared without delay.Local events calendar
Pointing out that the sector is still reeling from the fallout of the recent Pahalgam incident, KHAROA said the mutton controversy has further crippled the hotel and restaurant industry in Kashmir. “The damage is immense and may prove irreparable if immediate measures are not taken,” it said.
Urging the highest levels of government to intervene, KHAROA appealed for steps to restore public confidence and safeguard livelihoods. “This propaganda has already caused enough damage. The authorities must act—and act fast—not only to instil confidence in customers but also protect an industry that provides jobs to thousands across Kashmir,” the statement concluded.
